Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has condemned the May 9, 2023 violent incidents, describing them as part of a premeditated conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the state.
She claimed that finally, the "mastermind" behind the events -- in a reference to PTI Founder Imran Khan -- had confessed to planning and facilitating the attacks, adding that his party was an "anarchist group" rather than a political party whose aim is to damage the state through malicious designs.
The chief minister alleged that Zaman Park served as a training ground for terrorist activities. "Training was given to make petrol bombs and to attack the state," she said, highlighting that the planning of May 9, 2023 attacks was carried out during the four months (when a prominent figure feigned injury) with a plaster cast on their leg.
Maryam asked what kind of peaceful protests were staged on May 9, where over 200 military installations were attacked, air force planes were set on fire, corps commander houses were burnt, and memorials of martyrs were desecrated.
"What a peaceful protest it was, in which more than 200 military installations were attacked," she remarked sarcastically. She alleged that attacking martyrs' memorials and forcing Pakistan towards default were all part of a conspiracy.
Emphasizing the need for action, Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated, "It is a requirement of national interest to take action in the presence of evidence and proof." She connected the events to a larger conspiracy aimed at defaulting Pakistan and alienating friendly countries, including China.
"This is the same conspiratorial group that planned to alienate friendly countries from Pakistan," she alleged further, adding that the foreign leadership was badmouthed, while baseless accusations were made against CPEC and China.
The CM recalled past instances of unrest and attacks attributed to the same group, such as the 2014 attacks on Parliament House, PTV, and the Prime Minister House. She cited incidents of violence against the police and disruptions caused by sit-ins, including the prevention of the Chinese president's visit to Pakistan.
