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NA passes resolution backing May 9 rioters’ trial under military laws

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The National Assembly on Monday passed a resolution to condemn “shameless incidents” on May 9 and expressed solidarity with armed forces in the wake of attacks on martyrs’ monuments and defence installations almost across the country following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest in a corruption case earlier this month.

The resolution tabled by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif backed the civil-military leadership’s decision to try rioters under relevant laws of the country including the Pakistan Army Act.

It said the lower house of parliament “vehemently condemned the shocking, brazen, heart-wrenching and shameless incidents which took place in certain parts of the country on the 9th May 2023”.

The house also expressed its full faith in and complete solidarity and support for the Armed Forces of Pakistan.

The resolution reiterated to observe May 9 as ‘Black Day’— a reference to the unprecedented nearly three days-long violent protests by the PTI supporters following their leader Imran Khan’s arrest.

At least eight people were killed and dozens of others left injured during the countrywide riots with internet services remaining suspended for almost 72 hours in the country.

In today’s session, the legislators also demanded that all abettors, planners, facilitators and those directly or indirectly involved in arson attacks on military installations as well as public and private properties should be prosecuted under the existing laws of the country including the Anti-terrorism Act 1997, Army Act 1952 and Pakistan Penal Code 1860.

Moreover, the resolution urged all relevant authorities to implement social media rules and regulations in order to tackle propaganda being unleashed against the country’s institutions, both from within and outside of Pakistan, “under the patronage and facilitation from multiple players”.

“Those involved in such propaganda campaigns should strictly be dealt with as per law,” it added.

The resolution reiterated commitment to national unity, harmony and integrity in the wake of the current geostrategic situation and deprecate all anti-state elements which attempt to destabilise the country.

“…[the] resolution of all political issues must always stay within the realm of parliamentary and democratic norms and resorting to violence against state institutions, public and private properties is totally unacceptable,” it added.

“Incumbent on us to defend armed forces”

Addressing the assembly, Asif said the rioters only attacked military and public installations and did not cause damage to political offices during the May 9 protests

“Their attack was not on military installations, but on Pakistan,” he said, adding that such an attack was expected from India, not from Pakistanis.

In view of the May 9 vandalism, the defence minister said it had become mandatory to defend the armed forces of the country.

“The nations who do not honour their benefactors are destroyed,” he said.

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The PPP requests the image of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on currency notes.

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The resolution was passed during a seminar named ‘Bhutto Reference and History’, which focused on Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

The resolution praised the Supreme Court’s admission that the PPP founder’s trial, which resulted in his execution, was unfair and urged that the federal government confer on him the title of “Quaid-e-Awam” (Leader of the People) and the highest civilian honor, Nishan-e-Pakistan.

Aside from demanding that Bhutto’s image be used on currency notes, the resolution also asked for the construction of a fitting monument in his honor and the designation of his mausoleum as a national shrine.

Furthermore, it demands for the reversal of Bhutto’s unjust death sentence and the creation of a “Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Award” for democracy activists who have given their lives for the cause.

In March, the National Assembly passed a resolution characterizing Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s trial as judicial murder.

The Supreme Court released its reserved opinion on the presidential reference against the ‘controversial’ death sentence imposed on PPP founder, stating that the former prime minister was denied a “fair trial”.

A nine-judge court led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa revealed its decision on the long-pending presidential reference to determine if it can reconsider its verdict, which the PPP and jurists perceive as a historic error.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was sentenced to death under former military dictator General (retired) Ziaul Haq’s administration.

The first elected prime minister of the country was charged with the murder of a political competitor, Nawab Mohammed Ahmed Qasuri, and a trial was held.

Bhutto was executed on April 4, 1979, despite requests and appeals for leniency and pity from various heads of state.

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The ‘clinics on wheels’ initiative is introduced by CM Maryam.

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Punjab is heading toward progress and prosperity, according to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Speaking at the ‘clinics on wheels’ project celebration, the chief minister emphasized how this project will improve public health and change the health system.

She emphasized that all of the essential medical facilities were included in the Clinics on Wheels scheme. There would be multiple locations for the 200 mobile clinics. Gynecology services, screenings, immunizations, and medical testing will all be offered at the clinics.

There will be ultrasound equipment available at 50 of the 200 mobile clinic locations. Up to 4 million people will be helped by this endeavor, especially in places without hospital services.

First choice for local physicians to volunteer for this project will be granted to those from 36 districts. Consideration is also being given to the lack of paramedical and nursing personnel.

The project, which was started by Nawaz Sharif and put on hold by the previous administration, is being restarted, according to the chief minister. According to her, her government’s goal is to deliver healthcare right to people’s doors.

Additionally, she revealed that eight districts in Punjab would have the construction of modern cardiology hospitals.

With Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Imran Nazir, and Health Secretary Ali Khan in attendance, CM Maryam officially launched the clinics on wheels project.

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Governor-rule attempt that is intolerable: Gandapur

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Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of KP denounced the incident on May 9 and promised that those in charge will face national scrutiny.

While eight FIRs have been filed against him in eight different districts, Gandapur stressed that none of the accusations have been validated.

Proving he was going nowhere without a fight, Gandapur issued a warning against tampering with democracy.

Any attempt to obstruct progress will be greeted with strong resistance, he warned, so avoid using disruptive tactics.

Gandapur declared, “We will seize the governor’s mansion and I will not keep quiet about the chief minister’s seat if governor law is imposed.”

With the media there to ensure transparency, the Chief Minister boldly challenged his predecessor, Pervez Khattak, to participate in a public discussion in the Kaaba.

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