Pakistan: May 9 violence was an attempted coup against current military leadership, says caretaker PM

Pakistan: May 9 violence was an attempted coup against current military leadership, says caretaker PM

Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister, Anwarul-haq-Kakar, has asserted that the violence that erupted on May 9 following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan was, in fact, an attempt at a coup and civil war. According to The News International, PM Kakar indicated that the intended targets of this violence were the current Pakistan army chief and his team.

In an interview with Geo News, caretaker Prime Minister Kakar stated, "The vandalism and arson on May 9 were witnessed by the whole world, and international newspapers reported the tragedy. This kind of manipulation is not acceptable in any form of government."

PM Kakar emphasized that the government does not seek to create an impression of seeking revenge against those involved in the May 9 events. However, he stressed the importance of taking legal action against individuals who violated the country's laws and engaged in acts of torture, stating that failing to do so would implicate the government in the matter.

He acknowledged that no political party has the right to resort to violence, including throwing stones, verbal abuse, and the destruction of buildings.

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Furthermore, PM Kakar commented on his unexpected role as interim prime minister, noting that the state possesses both negotiation and forceful means to deal with groups like the TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) or any banned organization.

The violent confrontations that erupted on May 9 followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Islamabad High Court. Protests and rallies were held across Pakistan by party workers in response to Khan's detention. This led to Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad calling in the armed forces to maintain peace and order.

During these demonstrations, army installations and the house of the corps commander in Lahore came under attack from people protesting against Khan's arrest.