Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari has declared May 9, 2023, a dark day in Pakistan’s history, following events where a politically charged mob caused widespread damage across the country, targeting public and military installations. In a strong condemnation, the President expressed concern that these acts not only marred Pakistan’s image but also played into the hands of its adversaries.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari criticized the violence as a direct assault on the state’s authority and an undermining of the rule of law and national institutions. He distinguished between the democratic rights of peaceful demonstration and constructive criticism—enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution—and the irresponsible actions that led to the May 9 violence.

The President underscored the importance of respecting legal and constitutional boundaries while exercising freedoms of assembly and expression. He warned against the misuse of these rights to incite violence, noting that such behavior was unprecedented in responsible democracies. “We have never seen such vandalism in responsible democracies, with violent mobs wreaking havoc on state properties for political gains,” he remarked.

Further highlighting the response to the crisis, President Zardari praised the resilience and dedication of Pakistan’s Armed Forces and other institutions in defending the nation against various threats, emphasizing that those responsible for the disturbances on May 9 should face legal consequences.

He also pointed out that the political unrest exacerbated the country’s socio-economic challenges, urging all political entities to foster tolerance, uphold democratic values, and engage in meaningful dialogue to provide clear direction to the nation.

Moreover, President Zardari called for a united effort among political parties, parliament, media, and civil society to reinforce democracy, promote the rule of law, and cultivate a culture of tolerance and inclusivity. He also addressed the issue of harmful social media campaigns against state institutions, advocating for strategies to counter misinformation effectively.

Concluding his remarks, the President emphasized the need to channel the potential of Pakistan’s youth towards national development and to cease political polarization and hatred, aiming to secure a prosperous future for upcoming generations.