Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari made a significant announcement today in the National Assembly, endorsing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s demand for an inquiry into the protests of May 9. He emphasized that the findings of this inquiry should be accepted by all political parties.
Bilawal, addressing the assembly, stated that it was crucial not to forget the attacks on institutions and martyrs’ monuments that occurred during the protests. He referenced a speech by Ali Amin Gandapur, supporting the call for a judicial commission to uncover the facts surrounding the events of May 9.
“While discussing the May 9 issue, Bilawal stressed the importance of moving politics forward, suggesting that unless this issue is resolved, progress would be challenging,” a parliamentary source reported.
The PPP chairman proposed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif establish a commission led by Chief Justice Faez Isa to investigate the matter thoroughly. “I endorse this [inquiry] if the PTI assures us that it will accept the decision of the judicial commission. It is not possible to ignore attacks on our institutions and martyrs’ memorials,” Bilawal stated during his address.
The violent protests on May 9 erupted shortly after the arrest of Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court, leading to widespread chaos across Pakistan.
In his speech, Bilawal also touched upon the sensitive issue of the leaked cipher case, warning that such leaks could jeopardize Pakistan’s cipher code. His remarks drew a strong reaction from lawmakers of the Sunni Ittehad Council, to which Bilawal responded by mocking them for their inability to handle criticism, at one point referring to them as ‘cartoons’.
The PPP chairman further criticized the dissolution of the assembly just before the vote of no-confidence in 2022, describing it as a violation of the constitution. “Violations of the constitution should be condemned from all sides,” he emphasized.
As the session grew heated, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq intervened, assuring the opposition that offensive remarks would be expunged from the record. Bilawal, acknowledging his use of strong language, requested that his remarks also be expunged.
The call for an inquiry into the May 9 protests has now garnered bipartisan support, with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s endorsement adding weight to the demand for a thorough investigation into the events that unfolded on that tumultuous day.
The National Assembly session concluded with a reminder from Bilawal that respect for constitutional principles is paramount for a stable and progressive Pakistan.
