"We oppose vandalism, looting, arson," says US on May 9 riots

The US State Department condemned the violent actions, including vandalism and arson, that occurred in Pakistan on May 9, 2023, and expressed its support for peaceful protests.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing, the spokesperson, Mathew Miller, said the right to protest should be exercised peacefully.

Responding to a question regarding the May 9 riots, he emphasised the importance of freedom of expression in a legitimate manner and opposed violent action.

He said the protest should be conducted peacefully, and the government should deal with the rule of law.

“We support legitimate, free expression, including the right to protest, the right to peaceful assembly, and we oppose violent actions, we oppose vandalism, looting, arson,” Miller said.

Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case on May 9, 2023, triggered violent protests across the country, in which several military and civil installations were vandalised by PTI workers.

The violent protests caused damage estimated at Rs1.9 billion, according to the government.

Following the riots, the crackdown was launched on the PTI to detain the suspect involved in the vandalism with the country’s top civil-military leadership vowing to try rioters under relevant laws of the country including the Army Act. 

The crackdown unleashed a mass exodus of leaders from the former ruling party.

Several PTI bigwigs, including Fawad Chaudhry, Asad Umer, Shireen Mazari, Pervaiz Khattak, Fayazul Hassan Chohan, Aamer Mahmood Kiani, Malik Amin Aslam, Imran Ismail, Ali Zaidi, Maleeka Ali Bokhari, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, left the party condemning the May 9 incidents and accusing Imran Khan of plotting to attacks on defense properties.

Moreover, the US spokesperson also acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution to the war against terrorism. 

"We partner with a range of Pakistani civilian institutions and regularly engage the Government of Pakistan to identify opportunities to build capacity and strengthen regional security."