The PTI’s strategy of distancing itself from the incidents of violence on May 9th last year, right before its first anniversary, appears to be relying on a classic tactic – refusing to acknowledge fault and shifting blame onto others. Nevertheless, this approach does not appear to be yielding positive results.
The security establishment is being openly blamed by PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan for the mayhem of May 9 last year. He explicitly stated to the British newspaper, the Telegraph, that Gen Asim Munir, the current army chief, would be held responsible if anything were to happen to him or his wife. Experts believe that the party is unlikely to receive a clean chit regarding the ‘Black Day’ events.
Interestingly, these accusations came shortly after PTI’s former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser accused the incumbent Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Punjab police chief of orchestrating the May 9 attacks during his speech in the lower house of parliament.
While these allegations have been ongoing for weeks, the PTI leadership has also called for the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots. Many are questioning whether this is the right approach to undo the irreparable damage the party caused itself on that tragic day last year.
On May 9, 2023, the security establishment’s facilities were reportedly targeted by enraged PTI activists and supporters following the arrest of their party’s founding chairman on corruption charges at the Islamabad High Court. The PTI had warned that detaining Imran would be considered as crossing a red line. In response to the attacks, including on memorials for martyrs, the military designated May 9 as a “Black Day”, denouncing it as a dark moment in the nation’s history. Political analyst Majid Nizami observed that the PTI was making efforts to mitigate the aftermath of the May 9 violence by issuing controversial statements and shifting blame, despite the presence of its leaders and supporters at the sites of the attacks or their involvement in inciting violence.
Nizami stated that the PTI will face consequences for the events that occurred on May 9. The establishment will ensure that the PTI faces these consequences.
He further mentioned that the PTI might lose its ability to function independently as a political party as a result of these consequences.
Nizami also emphasized that the PTI cannot afford to admit any wrongdoing, as doing so would only create more problems for them.
“That is why the PTI has distanced itself from the incidents and is now advocating for the punishment of those responsible,” he explained.
Professor Tahir Naeem Malik from NUML University recalled the footage from last year’s May 9 events and suggested that the PTI should reconsider its strategy of constantly pressuring the security establishment. He pointed out that the PTI operates differently from other political parties.
Referring to Imran Khan and the PTI’s extreme stance, Professor Malik advised the PTI to strategically withdraw and seek a ceasefire.
“In order to navigate this situation, the PTI should demonstrate political wisdom,” he concluded.
