In a message marking the first anniversary of the tragic events of May 9, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed that the nation would never again witness such turmoil and unrest.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the premier stressed the importance of unity and sacrifice for the betterment of the nation.
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Describing May 9 as a day etched in the darkest annals of history, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the imperative to prioritize the nation's interests above all else.
He stressed the need to differentiate between those who selflessly laid down their lives for the country and those who sought to sow seeds of discord and hatred.
"May 9 is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave sons of the nation and a call to extinguish the flames of animosity," remarked the Prime Minister. He reiterated his commitment to eradicating the forces that threaten the peace and stability of the country.
Reflecting on the passage of a year since the tragic events unfolded, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif solemnly acknowledged that the scars of that day still linger in the collective memory of the nation.
However, he expressed optimism for the future, asserting that the nation must forge ahead and set ambitious goals for development and progress.
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all citizens to unite in their resolve to build a brighter future for generations to come.
He emphasised the importance of solidarity and cooperation in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead, reaffirming his unwavering dedication to serving the people of Pakistan.
May 9 will always be remembered as a dark day: Zardari
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari has stated that 9th May 2023, will always be remembered as a dark day in Pakistan's history when a politically instigated mob ran amok across the country, damaging public property and military installations.
In a statement issued by the President’s House while condemning the violence, he said that the unfortunate incidents severely tarnished the country's image, which only served the interests of Pakistan's enemies.
He termed the mob attacks as an attempt to challenge the writ of the state, undermine the rule of law and weaken the institutions.
The President said that peaceful demonstrations and constructive criticism were the essence of democracy, emphasizing that Pakistan's Constitution enshrined the fundamental rights of assembly and expression.
Nonetheless, he stressed the vital importance of exercising these rights with utmost responsibility, adhering strictly to the bounds of constitutional and legal provisions. He affirmed that any attempt to misuse these rights to incite violence would never be tolerated.
"We have never seen such vandalism in responsible democracies, with violent mobs wreaking havoc on state properties for political gains," he remarked.
The President expressed pride in Pakistan's Armed Forces and its institutions, which had been a vanguard in defending the nation against various threats.
He emphasised that those responsible for the May 9 violence should be held accountable according to the law.
The President observed that Pakistan faced numerous challenges, and such irresponsible acts by political forces not only hindered the progress achieved as a nation but further exacerbated socio-economic challenges.
"The current political situation demands that all political parties work towards promoting tolerance, democratic values, and political dialogue, and provide a clear direction to the nation," he said.
