The court on December 21 sentenced several suspects involved in the May 9 unrest. The verdict has sparked strong reactions from residents of Rawalpindi, many of whom expressed favor of the court’s decision to impose accountability for the violent events.
The May 9 incident involved attacks on national institutions, public landmarks, and memorials dedicated to the martyred, leading to widespread condemnation across the country. Speaking to the press, Rawalpindi citizens voiced support for the court’s decision, describing it as an essential step toward justice and national stability.
“We fully condemn the events of May 9. Those responsible for such destruction and disrespect to our institutions deserve these sentences,” one resident stated.
Another citizen reflected on the severity of the attacks, saying, “No country can tolerate its institutions and symbols of national pride being attacked, especially under the influence of political agendas or external forces.”
The sentences follow months of investigations into the events, which saw groups damaging state property and defacing monuments.
“Those who attacked the memorials of our martyrs acted against the spirit of our nation. Justice needed to be served, and it finally has,” another citizen remarked.
Critics of the suspects argue that their actions were instigated by political motivations, resulting in harm to state institutions and the country’s social fabric. Residents also expressed concerns about the external influences that may have fueled these incidents, calling for vigilance against similar occurrences in the future.
While the court’s decision has been largely welcomed, some voices highlighted the need for timely justice. “These sentences should have been handed out much earlier,” one local said, adding that prompt action could deter such incidents in the future.
