ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has said that 9th May 2023, will always be remembered as a dark day in the country’s history when a politically instigated mob ran amok across Pakistan, damaging public property and defense installations.
Denouncing the violence, he stated that the unfortunate incidents severely tarnished the nation’s image, which only served the interests of the nation’s enemies.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, termed the mob assaults an attempt to challenge the writ of the state, undermine the constitution, rule of law and weaken the institutions.
He stated that peaceful protests and constructive criticism were the core of democracy, highlighting that Pakistan’s Constitution enshrined the fundamental rights of expression and assembly.
Nonetheless, he stressed the vital significance of exercising “these rights with utmost responsibility, adhering strictly to the bounds of legal and constitutional provisions”.
The President affirmed that any attempt to misuse these rights to incite violence will never be tolerated. He said that they have never seen such vandalism in responsible democracies, with violent mobs wreaking havoc on state properties for political gains.
Asif Ali Zardari has expressed pride in Pakistan’s Armed Forces and its institutions, which had been a vanguard in defending the nation against various threats.
The President emphasized that those responsible for the May 9 violence and riots should be held answerable as per to the law.
The President observed that Pakistan has faced numerous challenges, and such irresponsible actions by political forces not only hindered the development achieved as a nation but further exacerbated socio-economic issues.
He urged political parties, the Parliament, civil society and the media to strengthen democracy by keeping the rule of law, and also fostering a culture of tolerance, inclusivity and political dialogue.
He also denounced the malicious social media campaign against state institutions, adding that a mechanism must be evolved to check and counter such disinformation drive.
