Following recent attacks on military installations by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers, civil society members held a rally along with 300 cars in Karachi’s Sea View to support the Pakistan Army on Saturday.
The event was led by Dr Ali Farhan, Vice Chairman of Liaquat Medical and Dental College.
Pakistan flags were waved, and banners declaring support for the Pakistan Army were held.
Protestors condemned the attacks and demanded the arrest of those responsible, while they shouted slogans in support of the military and law enforcement agencies.
In early May, PTI Chairman Imran Khan was arrested following during protests at Islamabad High Court premises. The PTI supporters caused significant damage to property and set fire to Lahore Corps Commander House and attacked General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
The violence resulted in at least 10 fatalities and dozens of people were injured over a period of several days. Internet services were suspended for over 72 hours during this period.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) later described May 9 as a “Black Day”, as it was marked by unprecedented violent actions by certain groups who seek to gain political power. The ISPR went on to criticize PTI leadership, calling them hypocritical for inciting their supporters against the military on one hand and praising them on the other in an attempt to conceal their criticism.
The ruling coalition and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif openly condemned the attacks, and an order to arrest all those involved in the vandalism was given within 72 hours. The government promised a reward of Rs200,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the vandals.
General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, promised to bring all the planners, abettors, instigators, and executors of the vandalism on the “Black Day” to justice. In the meantime, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has distanced himself from the perpetrators of the attacks and called for an independent investigation to identify those responsible.