PTI demands SC-led judicial commission on May 9 events

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday reiterated its demand for the formation of an immediate judicial commission comprising senior judges of the Supreme Court to conduct a “transparent, impartial and credible” probe into the events of May 9, 2023, riots while also calling for the release of party founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

The riots erupted nationwide following Imran’s arrest, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

The military condemned the events as a “Black Day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.

Read: ATC sentences 47 PTI leaders to 10 years in May 9 GHQ attack case

In a post on X, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram described May 9 as “a black day in Pakistan’s political history”, saying the arrest of Imran from the premises of the Islamabad High Court violated “the sanctity of the judiciary” and set “a dangerous precedent of state oppression and fascism”.

“This action was an open violation of the Constitution, the law and fundamental human rights,” he said.

The PTI spokesperson said the party had, from the outset, demanded “transparent, impartial, and independent investigations” into the May 9 events and continued to stand by that demand.

“We have repeatedly made it clear that a judicial commission comprising serving senior judges of the Supreme Court should be established to bring all facts before the nation,” he said.

Raising questions over the alleged disappearance of CCTV footage related to the incidents, he said its absence had deepened concerns over the credibility of the investigation process.

“Where exactly is that footage which could have determined the truth from falsehood?” he asked, adding that its unavailability strengthened the impression that facts were being deliberately concealed.

Referring to repeated demands made by the PTI founder, he said the former prime minister had consistently called for an independent judicial commission to identify those responsible for the events.

“But alas, to this day, neither has a judicial commission been established nor has the truth been told to the nation. This conduct is contrary to the requirements of justice,” he added.

Akram alleged that after May 9, thousands of PTI workers, including women, were arrested and detained for months, while several individuals were sentenced “without concrete evidence”.

“These actions are not only violations of human rights but also reflect the illegitimate use of state power,” he said.

Also Read: The May 9 saga

The PTI leader maintained that the party respected defence institutions and believed institutional strength could only be ensured through “justice, transparency, and the rule of law”.

“We once again demand an immediate judicial commission comprising senior judges of the Supreme Court be established. All CCTV footage of May 9 be brought into the public domain,” he said.

He also demanded the immediate release of Imran, Bushra Bibi and “innocent arrested individuals, especially women”.

“The real culprits be brought to justice according to the law,” he added.

“The nation awaits the truth. No matter how much facts are suppressed, they will surely come to light one day or another,” he said, adding that PTI would continue its struggle for “the supremacy of the Constitution” and restoration of public trust.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also demanded the immediate release of footage related to the May 9 incidents, describing the day as “a black day in the history of Pakistan”.

“After May 9, fake rulers were imposed on the country, who spared no effort in the destruction of Pakistan and the Pakistani people,” he said.

He alleged that the rulers had weakened state institutions, damaged the economy and widened the gap between the people and institutions.

Referring to the CCTV footage controversy, the chief minister said serious questions remained unanswered regarding the events.

“To this day, the CCTV footage of the incident has not been shown. That is why my leader Imran Khan Sahib had said: ‘Whoever stole the CCTV footage orchestrated 9 May.’”