Civil, military leaders decide to observe May 9 as ‘Black Day’ nationally

The National Security Committee (NSC) decided on Tuesday to observe May 9 — when multiple incidents of violence and vandalism were reported amid protests sparked by PTI chief Imran Khan’s arrest — as “Black Day” at the national level.
While the protests were underway, social media was flooded with footage of a mob clashing with police in Karachi, attacking and entering the army’s head office, General Headquarters, in Rawalpindi and vandalizing the Lahore corps commander’s residence. Meanwhile, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan’s building was also set on fire in Peshawar.
The NSC’s decision of today is the latest in the string of condemnations of the May 9 events by the country’s civil and military leadership.
The meeting of the body, which is the highest forum for coordination on security issues, was convened under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. It was attended by federal ministers, Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and other top brass, among other senior officials.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office after the meeting said it was reiterated during the session that a policy of “zero tolerance” would be adopted towards violence and disturbance of peace.
It added that the meeting’s participants expressed solidarity with the armed forces, “strongly condemning rioting and attacks on military installations for personal and political interests”. “The participants reiterated the resolve of not tolerating any violation of the sanctity and honour of military installations and public property and being all elements involved in the black day of May 9 to justice,” the PMO statement read. They also endorsed the top brass’ decision of booking cases under relevant laws — including military laws the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act — against “miscreants, planners, instigators and facilitators” involved in these acts, the statement added.
Source: dawn.com/news