Govt decides to pay tribute to martyrs on May 9 "Black Day"

The federal government has decided to observe May 9th as a "Black Day," and a special meeting of the federal cabinet will convene at the Parliament House for this occasion.

In line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, a ceremony will take place at the Islamabad Convention Center to honour the martyrs, including members of the Pakistan army, police, security forces, and their families.

The premier will announce an important "policy statement" in his address at the event.

Punjab and Balochistan Assemblies have scheduled sessions for this day, intending to pass resolutions condemning the May 9th incidents and urging punishment for those responsible for the tragedy.

Following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023, by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) at the Islamabad High Court, unrest and violent riots erupted nationwide, with PTI supporters protesting his arrest.

Rioters attacked military installations, staged demonstrations, and set fires in various locations across the country, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of individuals, currently facing military trials.

During a recent press conference, Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif dismissed any possibility of striking a deal with the PTI founder and refused to negotiate with “anarchists.”

Gen Sharif emphasised that May 9th was not just a matter concerning the Pakistan Army but the entire Pakistan, stressing the need for strict punishment for those involved.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, announced plans for "peaceful protests" at every provincial assembly constituency nationwide to mark the day.

These protests will be led by elected representatives, ticket holders, and the party’s office-bearers, with Pakistan and PTI flags flying high on buildings across the country.