May 9 Pakistan violence perpetrators to be tried in Military Courts

The Pakistan cabinet has approved the decision of the National Security Committee to try the perpetrators of the May 9 violence in military courts.

For the uninitiated, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protestors rallied the streets on May 9 after former Prime Minister and party chairman Imran Khan was arrested. The protestors torched military and civilian buildings and it left around 10 people dead and thousands injured. The protesters also attacked the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and Lahore Corps Commander’s residence.

The day is now described as a ‘dark day’ in the history of Pakistan.

The NSC in its Wednesday meeting had agreed that the protestors who were involved in vandalism would be tried under the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.

According to The Express Tribune, the PM of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif approved this decision.

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was arrested on May 9 from the premises of the Islamabad High Court. Protestors had taken to the streets to resist his arrest and it led to massive violence breaking out. Khan’s arrest was followed by the arrest of more PTI leaders.