ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said planners and abettors of the violent incidents of 9th May should be brought to justice.

Chairing meeting of the National Security Committee in Islamabad on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the culprits should be taken to task to set an example so that no one can dare repeat such incidents in future.

The Prime Minister said he has directed that innocent people should not be touched but culprits involved in these heinous crimes should not be spared even if chief executive of the country seeks any leniency for them.

Shehbaz Sharif said these acts of vandalism are not less than terrorism, which have brought shame to the entire nation. He said goons of a political party attacked military installations, including the General Headquarters Rawalpindi, FC Camp in Quetta, and other public property. He said these people inflicted harm on the country that our enemy even could not think of in 75 years.

The Prime Minister said today's meeting expressed that the entire nation is standing behind their armed forces.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed his determination to ensure that the culprits responsible for the events of May 9 face appropriate punishment, emphasising that such a devastating incident should never recur. The prime minister referred to May 9 as a Black day in Pakistan's history.

The events that unfolded on May 9 have left an indelible mark on the nation, plunging millions of Pakistanis into deep sorrow.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif lamented that attempts were made to desecrate symbols of great honor for the country, leading to widespread grief and outrage among the populace.

He specifically highlighted the burning of Jinnah House, which housed the protectors of Pakistan, and condemned this act as an attack on the nation's pride.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also drew attention to the targeting of significant installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) and Mianwali Airbase.

Additionally, he highlighted the destruction of FC School, stressing that such grave incidents occurring over the course of 75 years demanded a comprehensive review and unwavering commitment to addressing the situation.

Expressing strong condemnation, the prime minister denounced the individuals who planned and instigated the riots, asserting that they should not receive any leniency.

He further stated that the vandalization of the statues of martyrs was deeply distressing and pledged to ensure swift action by making arrests and registering cases within 72 hours.

PM Shehbaz Sharif reassured the public that only the guilty would face punishment, while innocent individuals would be safeguarded.

PM Shahbaz Sharif underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasising that the protestors affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had achieved what even Pakistan's eternal enemy had failed to do.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers in the 1965 war, Zarb-e-Azb, and in maintaining peace and order, and lamented the desecration of the martyrs and ghazis, a highly sensitive issue.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attacks on installations and reaffirmed the government's commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. The nation stands united in its demand for accountability and seeks to restore the sanctity of its symbols of honor and pride.

The premier said, “Those who planned, executed and abetted the vandalism on May 9 certainly committed an act of terrorism.”

Referring to the violent protests and attacks on the General Headquarters, Lahore Corps Commander House (or Jinnah House) and other military installations following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in a corruption case also involving a property tycoon, the PM said. “Whatever happened on May 9 will be remembered as Black Day in the history of Pakistan.”

He added that what was the ideology and the person who ignited the love for the country. “The person who lives in this house [Jinnah House] protects Pakistan.”

Expressing deep grief over the arson attack on Jinnah House, the premier said: “I have never seen such a situation before.”

“They went to the GHQ, the airbase in Mianwali and the ISI’s office in Faisalabad … we never saw such a heinous scheme [playout] in the last 75 years.”

“I believe that whoever planned this and incited the vandalism … they are certainly guilty of terrorism, but they also managed to do what Pakistan’s eternal enemy could not do in the last 75 years.”

The meeting was attended by provincial chief ministers, federal ministers, Services Chiefs and officials of secret agencies.

According to media reports, during the National Security Committee meeting, heartfelt tributes were paid to the martyrs who bravely sacrificed their lives for the nation. Additionally, the security forces were commended for their successful anti-terrorism efforts and covert operations across the country.

The meeting focused on a briefing provided by sensitive institutions regarding the recent events that unfolded on May 9. It was revealed that acts of vandalism had taken place, resulting in damage to public and private properties.

Disturbingly, photographs of martyrs were desecrated, memorials were defaced, historical buildings were set ablaze, and military installations were subjected to vandalism. The briefing also indicated a deliberate plan to orchestrate arsons.

The government, security forces, and intelligence agencies were determined to take swift action against the perpetrators responsible for these acts and maintain law and order in the country.