ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari said on May 9, 2023, politically incited mobs rampaged across the country, damaging public property and military installations. He said it will always be remembered as a dark day in Pakistan’s history.
He condemned the violence and said the unfortunate incident has severely tarnished the country’s image and it will only serve the interests of Pakistan’s enemies.
In his message, the president said the mob attack was an attempt to challenge the writ of the state, undermine the rule of law and undermine institutions.
He said peaceful demonstrations and constructive criticism are the essence of democracy, stressing that Pakistan’s constitution enshrines the fundamental rights of assembly and expression.
Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of “exercising these rights with the utmost responsibility, in strict compliance with the scope of the provisions of the Constitution and the law.”
“Attempts to abuse these rights to incite violence will never be tolerated,” he declared. We have never seen such destruction in a responsible democracy, with violent mobs destroying state property for political gain. ”
The President expressed pride in the Pakistan Army and its institutions, which have been the vanguard of protecting the country from various threats.
He stressed that those responsible for the May 9 violence must be held accountable according to the law.
President Zardari said that Pakistan is facing numerous challenges and such irresponsible acts by political forces are not only hindering the progress achieved as a nation but also further aggravating the socio-economic challenges. .
“The current political climate demands that all political parties strive to promote tolerance, democratic values and political dialogue, and provide a clear direction for the nation.”
The President called on political parties, parliaments, the media and civil society to strengthen democracy by upholding the rule of law and fostering a culture of tolerance, political dialogue and inclusiveness.
He also condemned malicious social media campaigns against state institutions, saying there is a need to evolve mechanisms to check and counter such disinformation campaigns.
The President emphasized the need to harness the potential of youth for the benefit of the country, rather than inciting them against state institutions. He also called for collective efforts to build a better future for generations to come and end political polarization and hatred.
