Khurram Dastagir urges swift action against May 9 offenders by Interim govt

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khurram Dastagir has urged the interim government to expedite strict legal proceedings against the offenders of May 9 violence.

During a segment of the programme Upfront with Mona Alam on HUM News, Dastagir’s statement followed a press conference by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi in which he expressed hope for cooperation from the interim government and proposed the release of detained women connected to the May 9 violence cases as a gesture of goodwill.

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In response, Dastagir contested Qureshi’s stance, asserting that PTI had “strategically” orchestrated the May 9 violence, a tactic he claimed mirrored past terrorist actions.

He emphasised, “Qureshi should remember that PTI, in pursuit of power, targeted national institutions. It’s noteworthy that the same political party had set Radio Pakistan Peshawar on fire and targeted PTV headquarters in 2014.”

Moreover, he questioned the concept of a goodwill gesture, opposing the release of those involved in what he categorised as “premeditated” violence.

Dastagir commented, “While cases involving juveniles might be considered for release, adults must face legal consequences; ample recorded evidence substantiates this.”

Meanwhile, Dastagir also cautioned against the misuse of politics for destructive purposes, asserting that national interests should always prevail. Referring to PML-N’s peaceful protests, he stressed the importance of a swift trial for individuals linked to the May 9 violence without leniency.

Responding to Mona Alam’s inquiry about PTI’s hopes for release through fair trials, Dastagir reiterated the presence of extensive evidence and advocated for holding those involved in terrorism accountable.

He also underscored the link between incendiary speeches and ensuing violence.

“Incitement to violence through speech is often responsible for such disturbances. The events of May 9 have shown us that when leaders use provocative language, national institutions inevitably become targets,” he affirmed.