May 9 riots

{{Short description|2023 violent incidents in Pakistan}} {{Infobox civil conflict | title = May 9 riots | image =  | caption =  | partof = 2022–2024 Pakistan political unrest, 2023 Pakistani protests and Arrest of Imran Khan | date = {{Start date and age|2023|05|09}} | place = General Headquarters, Pakistan. Corps Commander House, Lahore | coordinates =  | goals = Release of Imran Khan | methods = Protests, acts of vandalism, arson, riots | result = Government victory * Thousands of rioters arrested * Key PTI leaders imprisoned | side1 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.svg}} PTI supporters and protesters | side2 = {{tree list}} *{{flagicon|Pakistan}} 20px Government of Pakistan **{{flagicon image|ICT POLICE FLAG.png}} *** Islamabad Police **{{flagicon|Punjab}} Government of Punjab *** Punjab Police **{{flagicon|Khyber Pakhtunkhwa}} Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa *** Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police **{{flagicon|Sindh}} Government of Sindh *** sindh Police **{{flagicon|Balochistan}} Government of Balochistan *** Balochistan Police ** Pakistan Rangers *** Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) *** Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) ** Frontier Corps *** Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (North) {{tree list/end}} | leadfigures1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.svg}} Imran Khan {{flagicon image|Flag of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.svg}} Bushra Bibi {{flagicon image|Flag of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.svg}} Omar Ayub {{flagicon image|Flag of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.svg}} Shibli Faraz {{flagicon image|Flag of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.svg}} Yasmin Rashid {{flagicon image|Flag of the Pakistani Army.svg}} Faiz Hameed (alleged)<ref name=":5" /> | leadfigures2 = 20px Shehbaz Sharif 20px Rana Sanaullah 20px Mohsin Naqvi 20px Azam Khan 20px Murad Ali Shah 20px Abdul Quddus Bizenjo | howmany1 =  | howmany2 =  | fatalities = | injuries = | arrests = Over 3,200 | detained = | verdict = | casualties_label = | casualties1 = 8-14 rioters killed<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Malik Asad {{!}} Manzoor |date=2023-05-11 |title=Eight killed in clashes as Imran lands in NAB custody |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1752254 |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/3/5/long-wait-for-families-of-pti-leaders-jailed-over-2023-protests-in-pakistan|title=Long wait for families of PTI leaders jailed over 2023 protests in Pakistan|date=5 March 2024|website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> | casualties2 = 232 policemen injured<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghumman |first=Mushtaq |date=2023-06-04 |title=14 killed in May 9 mayhem: No casualties among police personnel, LEAs |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40245832 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Business Recorder |language=en}}</ref> | casualties3 = Multiple civilian deaths Hundreds of civilians injured | casualties4 = }} {{Imran Khan sidebar}} Following the arrest of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court, nationwide demonstrations held by PTI's supporters descended into violent riots on 9 May 2023. Incidents of vandalism, looting, and arson resulted in {{PKRConvert|2.5|b|to=US}} worth of damage inflicted to government and military facilities by PTI workers and members of the public.<ref name=":0" />

As the protests descended into violence and chaos and protestors began attacking law enforcement officers and public buildings, the government responded with a cellular service and internet blockade and a crackdown against the rioters, PTI leaders, workers, and supporters, as well as those perceived to be allied to the party's cause within the media and legal fraternity. Trials of civilians within military courts were also initiated and are being challenged in the country's Supreme Court. The government also accused former Inter-Services Intelligence director Lt Gen Faiz Hameed of planning the riots in collaboration with Imran Khan.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Baig |first=Abid Ali |date=2025-12-14 |title=Khawaja Asif calls May 9 riots 'Faiz-Imran joint venture' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1961031 |access-date=2025-12-14 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref>

==Background== Imran Khan, the PTI leader and former Pakistani prime minister, was arrested by paramilitary troops on 9 May 2023. The arrest came in view of multiple legal cases against Khan, including the Toshakhana case, which accused him of unlawfully selling gifts received from foreign dignitaries;<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rolex to diamonds: What's landed Pakistan's Imran Khan a 14-year jail term? |date=2024-01-31 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/31/imran-khan-state-gifts-sentence-rolex-perfume-diamonds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618221230/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/31/imran-khan-state-gifts-sentence-rolex-perfume-diamonds |archive-date=2025-06-18 |access-date=2025-11-29 |work=Al Jazeera |publisher=Al Jazeera Media Network |location=Doha |language=English}}</ref> the Cipher case, which alleged he disclosed a classified diplomatic cable;<ref>{{Cite news |title=What is the cipher case? |date=2024-01-30 |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1809800 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250926053638/https://www.dawn.com/news/1809800 |archive-date=2025-09-26 |access-date=2025-11-29 |work=Dawn.com |publisher=Dawn Media Group |location=Karachi |language=English}}</ref> and the Al Qadir Trust Case, in which Khan was accused of using his position as prime minister to facilitate a settlement between the Pakistani government and businessman Malik Riaz after the UK's NCA returned approximately {{Currency|190|GBP}} million ({{Currency|239|US}} million) to Pakistan. In exchange, Riaz allegedly donated 458 kanals of land to the Al-Qadir University Trust, a charity associated with Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Al-Qadir Trust Case: How one transaction brought down Imran Khan and Bahria Town |date=2025-01-17 |url=https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/01/17/the-al-qadir-trust-case-how-one-transaction-brought-down-imran-khan-and-bahria-town/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250710045947/https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/01/17/the-al-qadir-trust-case-how-one-transaction-brought-down-imran-khan-and-bahria-town/ |archive-date=2025-07-10 |access-date=2025-11-29 |work=Profit by Pakistan Today |publisher=Pakistan Today |language=English}}</ref> In response, PTI supporters and workers - who believe the arrest was politically charged - began to demonstrate against Khan's arrest in a number of cities, including in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web | url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/490237-imran-khan-to-be-tried-in-military-court-for-may-9-riots-rana-sanaullah | title=May 9 riots 'mastermind' Imran Khan to be tried in military court: Rana Sanaullah | date=30 May 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1756875 | title=Imran will be tried in military courts for 'planning, executing' May 9 attacks: Rana Sanaullah | date=30 May 2023 }}</ref>

==Riots and violence== Acts of arson, vandalism, and assaults on governmental and military facilities were committed by the rioters, with 62 documented outbreaks of violence, and approximately 40 public buildings and military installations were damaged in the aftermath.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Dawn.com |date=2024-05-09 |title=Special report: May 9, mayhem and military trials — a year on |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1832279 |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref>

Among the buildings attacked and damaged in the riots were the Lahore Corps Commander's House (Jinnah House) and Askari Tower in Lahore, the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) office in Faisalabad, a Frontier Corps fort in Chakdara, a toll plaza at Swat Motorway, and the Mianwali Air Base.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Awan |first=Tariq Saeed |date=2023-05-15 |title=50 held over attacking air base |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2416996/50-held-over-attacking-air-base?amp=1 |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> A Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar was attacked, stormed, and set on fire by rioters as well, leaving one employee hospitalized with serious burns.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2023-05-11 |title=In Pakistan, journalists attacked, radio station torched, reporting muzzled |url=https://rsf.org/en/pakistan-journalists-attacked-radio-station-torched-reporting-muzzled |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Reporters Without Borders |language=en}}</ref>

Reporters trying to cover the protests in Peshawar were also attacked by protesters. The satellite transmission vehicles of ''Dawn News TV'', ''Aaj News'', ''Khyber News'' and ''Express News'' were subjected to rock throwing and baton attacks by rioters. A ''Dawn News TV'' truck was badly damaged and journalist Arif Hayat was injured by flying glass. ''Express News'' reporter Vishal Khan was also among those attacked by protesters.<ref name=":6" />

Punjab Police, utilizing geo-fencing reports, accused key PTI leaders of orchestrating attacks on the residence of the Lahore corps commander and other critical locations. Police alleged that over 400 calls were made by PTI leaders directing the rioters toward these targets. Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, confirmed the deployment of geo-fencing to monitor these communication and he alleged Imran Khan as a principal suspect in planning the assaults. Additional PTI leaders implicated were Hammad Azhar, Yasmin Rashid, Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhary, Mian Aslam Iqbal, and Murad Raas, all allegedly in contact with the rioters, providing precise directives for the attacks.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Imran and key aides 'planned' May 9 riots, geo-fencing reveals |date=2023-05-30 |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1755602 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829181152/https://www.dawn.com/news/1755602 |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-11-29 |work=Dawn |publisher=Dawn Media Group |location=Lahore |language=English}}</ref>

Anti-terrorism legislation was used, and numerous prosecutions were filed against those allegedly responsible for the riots.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |date=1 June 2023 |title=May 9 riots: Over 1k held in city |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2419617/may-9-riots-over-1k-held-in-city |website=The Express Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=16 May 2023 |title=Pakistani government to try violent protesters under army laws |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/16/pakistani-government-to-try-violent-protesters-under-army-laws |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Multiple PTI workers were killed by law enforcement officers who fired live ammunition; one died in Quetta and four were killed in Peshawar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-09 |title=PTI worker killed, six injured in firing at Quetta protest rally |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2415859/pti-worker-killed-six-injured-in-firing-at-quetta-protest-rally |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Amjad Ali |date=2023-05-11 |title=At least four killed, several hurt in Peshawar protest |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40241468 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Business Recorder |language=en}}</ref> Along with several deaths, hundreds of rioters and law enforcement officers sustained injuries.

==Governmental response== The Punjab Home Department established 53 Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) made up of police personnel to investigate the cases reported in relation to the riots thoroughly in reaction to the mounting violence. With the consent of the Punjab cabinet subcommittee on law and order, several JITs were created. Each JIT was given a prosecutor from the prosecution department to help with the investigation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1756303/punjab-home-dept-notifies-53-jits-for-may-9-riots | title=Punjab home dept notifies 53 JITs for May 9 riots | date=28 May 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nation.com.pk/02-Jun-2023/may-9-vandalism-punjab-home-department-forms-seven-more-jits | title=May 9 vandalism: Punjab home department forms seven more JITs | date=2 June 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1757354 | title=JITs tally reaches 61 as seven more teams formed | date=2 June 2023 }}</ref>

==Arrests and proceedings== Over a thousand people have reportedly been arrested in connection with the rioting in Lahore alone, according to reports from the Punjab Police (Pakistan). According to reports, around 3,200 suspected rioters were detained across Punjab, Pakistan. Numerous cases were reported to the police, the bulk of which were covered by anti-terrorism regulations. The most severely affected cities were Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan, with variable numbers of cases reported in each place.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=May 9 protests: 3200 rioters arrested in Punjab |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/15-May-2023/may-9-protests-3200-rioters-arrested-in-punjab}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1075272-lhc-seeks-report-on-identification-of-may-9-rioters | title=LHC seeks report on identification of May 9 rioters | date=30 May 2023 }}</ref>

==Aftermath== ===Crackdown against the PTI=== A crackdown was initiated against PTI leaders and workers, with thousands arrested, with rights groups raising concerns regarding arbitrary arrests, custodial torture, and forced disappearances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title=Pakistan: End crackdown on political opposition |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa33/6811/2023/en/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Amnesty International |language=en}}</ref><ref name = "fp">{{Cite web |date=2023-06-06 |title=Repeated arrests, filthy cells in Pakistan: Inside Sharif government's crackdown on PTI |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/repeated-arrests-filthy-cells-in-pakistan-inside-sharif-governments-crackdown-on-pti-12700122.html |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shah |first=Saeed |date=2023-05-25 |title=Pakistan's Opposition Begins to Crack After Thousands Arrested |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/pakistans-opposition-begins-to-crack-after-thousands-arrested-82e959d6 |access-date=2023-06-28 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> PTI leaders were forced to quit party/party positions in televised press conferences.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title='Forced divorces': Imran reacts to leaders' exodus from PTI |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2418225/forced-divorces-imran-reacts-to-leaders-exodus-from-pti |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Businesses of PTI leaders who did not quit the party were sealed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Imran Khan supporters say their businesses targeted in Pakistan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/8/khan-supporters-say-their-businesses-being-targeted-in-pakistan |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-12 |title=PTI's Patafi brothers' businesses sealed |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1759235 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-28 |title=PTI ex-MPA Jaura's store, restaurant sealed |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1762066 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> Family members of PTI leaders who went into hiding were harassed by police and military intelligence forces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-26 |title=Pakistan Army: More Than 100 Ex-PM Khan Supporters on Trial in Military Courts |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-army-more-than-100-ex-pm-khan-supporters-on-trial-in-military-courts/7153589.html |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=VOA |language=en}}</ref> In many instances, their houses were raided late at night and ransacked; valuables were also seized; the dowry for Mian Aslam Iqbal's daughter's wedding was seized by Punjab Police; and the homes of Lal Chand Malhi and Ali Nawaz Awan were demolished.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |title=Imran blasts govt for crossing all limits of 'barbarism' |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/06/15/imran-blasts-govt-for-crossing-all-limits-of-barbarism/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Pakistan Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Malik |first=Mansoor |date=2023-06-05 |title=PTI defectors set up 'Democrats' group under Murad Raas |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1758051 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-28 |title=PTI strongly condemns demolition of Lal Malhi's house |url=https://mmnews.tv/pti-strongly-condemns-demolition-of-lal-malhis-house/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=MM News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-27 |title=PTI's Ali Nawaz Awan claims Islamabad administration partially demolished his house |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1756224 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> A crackdown was also initiated on vocal women supporters of Khan's party - the most prominent of which was Khadija Shah, a businesswoman and granddaughter of former Pakistani Army Chief, Asif Nawaz Janjua.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan: How Khan crackdown imperils women in politics |url=https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-how-khan-crackdown-imperils-women-in-politics/a-65892234 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-09 |title=Khadija Shah, other PTI women supporters sent to jail on judicial remand |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/06/09/khadija-shah-other-pti-women-supporters-sent-to-jail-on-judicial-remand/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Pakistan Today |language=en-US}}</ref> Former Federal Ministers, Shehryar Khan Afridi and Ali Muhammad Khan, former Governor Punjab Omer Sarfraz Cheema, and former Punjab provincial ministers, Yasmin Rashid and Mehmood-ur-Rasheed have been incarcerated since the end of the riots. Even once released by the courts, they were immediately re-arrested in other cases; Khan has been rearrested six times, while Afridi, and Rashid have been rearrested twice.<ref name = "fp" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-28 |title=PTI's Ali Mohammad Khan rearrested |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2423960/ptis-ali-mohammad-khan-rearrested |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-30 |title=Shehryar Afridi, Ali Muhammad Khan rearrested after release from Adiala Jail |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/30/shehryar-afridi-ali-muhammad-khan-rearrested-after-release-from-adiala-jail/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Pakistan Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-10 |title=Yasmin handed over to police on two-day physical remand |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2421094/may-9-riots-yasmin-handed-over-to-police-on-two-day-physical-remand |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Cheema's wife was arrested as she came to attend her husband's hearing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Omar Sarfraz Cheema's wife arrested for involvement in May 9 riots |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1083410-omar-sarfraz-cheema-s-wife-arrested-for-involvement-in-may-9-riots |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |date=22 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Afridi was not allowed to attend his brother's funeral and was kept in inhumane conditions in a 'death cell' reserved for those on death row.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sher |first=Fazal |date=2023-06-18 |title=Shehryar Afridi sent on two-day police remand |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40248387 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sigamony |first=Terence J. |date=2023-05-30 |title=IHC 'informed' PTI's Afridi is in 'death cell' |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40244933 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref>

===Media censorship and abduction of journalists=== Mobile internet coverage was suspended as riots spread throughout the country. The ban effected gig workers, including those working for Uber, Foodpanda, and Careem, as well as freelancers and remote workers who relied on mobile internet.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adil |first=Hafsa |title='Ruined my livelihood': Pakistan internet shutdown hits millions |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/11/pakistan-internet-shutdown |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref> It was estimated that during the three days that mobile internet remained suspended, Pakistan's telecom companies bore a loss of {{PKRConvert|2.49|b}}, while the country's software export industry lost {{PKRConvert|10|b}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-12 |title=Internet suspension causes loss of Rs2.49b to telecom sector in Pakistan |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/12-May-2023/internet-suspension-causes-loss-of-rs2-49b-to-telecom-sector-in-pakistan |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}</ref> Starting from 13 May 2023, the authorities started restoring Internet access.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-13 |title=Pakistan restores internet service after three-day shutdown |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/13-May-2023/pakistan-restores-internet-service-after-three-day-shutdown |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}</ref> The ban was criticized by GSMA as it urged to restore internet services in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Bilal |date=2023-05-12 |title='Far-reaching effects': GSMA urges Pakistan to restore internet services |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40241739 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref>

Access to social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, was also restricted in the aftermath of the riots.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-13 |title=Social media blackout: users still facing restrictions accessing YouTube, Twitter |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40241870 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref> Both the blockage of internet and social media were implemented by Pakistan Telecom Authority after a notification for the same was issued by the interior ministry, under Rana Sanaullah.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-14 |title=Pakistan's telecom regulator says social media access 'restricted' until further orders from interior ministry |url=https://arab.news/wthx5 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Arab News PK |language=en}}</ref> Access to social media was fully restored by 16 May 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-16 |title=Social Media Has Been Completely Restored Across Pakistan |url=https://www.techjuice.pk/social-media-has-been-completely-restored-across-pakistan/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=TechJuice |language=en-US}}</ref> However, the government has hinted at another social media blockage with defense minister, Khawaja Asif, claiming that "the script of the May 9 violence was prepared via social media".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-28 |title=Asif hints at more social media curbs, if needed |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1762150 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref>

The Intercept reported that several leading media houses were called to a secret meeting by the Pakistan Army in which they were directed to ban all coverage of Imran Khan.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Ryan |last1=Grim |first2=Murtaza |last2=Hussain |first3=Waqas |last3=Ahmed |date=2023-06-02 |title=In Secret Meeting, Pakistani Military Ordered Press to Stop Covering Imran Khan |url=https://theintercept.com/2023/06/02/imran-khan-pakistan-military-coverage-ban/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Intercept |language=en-US}}</ref> As a result, Khan's name disappeared overnight from all local print and electronic media, with journalists euphemistically referring to him as ''"Qasim ke Abba"'' (Qasim's father) as the moniker became a top twitter trend in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhagyashree |date=2023-06-07 |title=Imran Khan: 'Qasim Ke Abbu' trending in Pakistan, what is its Imran connection? know here |url=https://www.newsdayexpress.com/world/imran-khan-qasim-ke-abbu-trending-in-pakistan-what-is-its-imran-connection-know-here/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=News Day Express |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-06-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628210647/https://www.newsdayexpress.com/world/imran-khan-qasim-ke-abbu-trending-in-pakistan-what-is-its-imran-connection-know-here/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ڈیسک |first=سوشل |date=2023-06-03 |title=قاسم کے ابا" ٹویٹر پر ٹاپ ٹرینڈ بن گیا، آخر یہ قاسم کے ابا ہیں کون؟ |url=https://wenews.pk/news/44315/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=WE News |language=ur}}</ref>

A few days after Imran's arrest, senior military officials reportedly summoned media leaders to a meeting in Islamabad, where they were instructed to avoid airing Imran's name and images. This directive was reinforced by Pakistan's media regulator, prohibiting coverage of Imran or PTI.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Samiuddin |first=Osman |date=2026-03-24 |title=Prisoner number 804: the plot to erase Imran Khan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/24/prisoner-number-804-pakistan-plot-to-erase-imran-khan |access-date=2026-03-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

Journalists that were seen as aligned with the PTI were targeted. Imran Riaz Khan, one of the most popular journalists on Pakistani social media, was kidnapped from outside Sialkot Central Jail on 11 May 2023 after being initially detained by Punjab Police.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Journalist Imran Riaz Khan still missing in Pakistan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/23/journalist-imran-riaz-khan-still-missing-in-pakistan |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref> He has since remained missing as the chief of Punjab Police, Usman Anwar, put the blame on military agencies for his disappearance in front of the Lahore High Court, and expressed his inability to locate the journalist.<ref name="rsf">{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title=Where is the Pakistani TV anchor who has been missing for 12 days? |url=https://rsf.org/en/where-pakistani-tv-anchor-who-has-been-missing-12-days |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=rsf.org |language=en}}</ref> Another prominent journalist, Sami Ibrahim, head of Bol News was picked up from Islamabad on 24 May 2023 before being released on 30 May.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-25 |title=Anchorperson Sami Ibrahim 'missing' from Islamabad |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/1096715/anchorperson-sami-ibrahim-missing-from-islamabad/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Daily Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Abductors free BOL News President Sami Ibrahim - Journalism Pakistan |url=http://www.journalismpakistan.com/abductors-free-bol-news-president-sami-ibrahim |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=www.journalismpakistan.com |language=en}}</ref> Reporters without Borders and the International Federation of Journalists raised concern over the abductions.<ref name="rsf" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-01 |title=Pakistan: Journalists missing amidst PTI crackdown / IFJ |url=https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/pakistan-journalists-missing-amidst-pti-crackdown |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=International Federation of Journalists |language=en}}</ref>

In January 2026, an anti-terrorism court convicted and sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia for terrorism-related offences linked to online content supporting Imran Khan. The court ruled that their digital activity "promoted fear" and unrest under anti-terrorism laws. Those sentenced include former army officers who later became YouTubers, Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, along with journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir and Shaheen Sehbai, as well as commentator Haider Raza Mehdi and political analyst Moeed Pirzada. Saeed Khan, describing the ruling as 'political theatre', stated that he was never served a summon or notified of any proceedings, and never contacted by the court. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) had labelled the investigations as a retaliatory act against critical reporting in 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-01-03 |title=Pakistan sentences journalists to life in prison over pro-Khan protests |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-03/pakistan-court-sentences-journalists-to-life/106196366 |access-date=2026-01-06 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

===Trials of civilians in military courts=== {{See also|Military courts case}} In the immediate aftermath, the administration attempted to transfer a number of cases to military courts for trial due to the seriousness of the crimes committed during the riots. Four accused people involved in targeting defense sites had their transfer allowed by an anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad, while eight accused people involved in the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) had their transfer granted by an ATC in Rawalpindi. Additionally, the commanding officer received 16 suspects, among them an ex-PTI Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), who was charged with looting and vandalizing Corp Commander House in Lahore.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/05/31/pakistan-dont-try-civilians-military-courts | title=Pakistan: Don't Try Civilians in Military Courts | date=31 May 2023 }}</ref>

Later, trials of as many as 102 defendants, who were deemed to be involved in attacks on military installation, were transferred from anti-terrorism courts to military courts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-26 |title=Pakistan says 102 in military court over ex-PM Khan arrest violence |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230626-pakistan-says-102-in-military-court-over-ex-pm-khan-arrest-violence |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> The move drew widespread criticism as military courts have been deemed as opaque systems shrouded in secrecy with little regard for human rights and legal Procedures due process by both the United Nations and International Commission of Jurists.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Committee against Torture examines initial report of Pakistan |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2017/04/committee-against-torture-examines-initial-report-pakistan |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=OHCHR |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2019 |title=Military Injustice in Pakistan |url=https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pakistan-military-courts-Advocacy-Analysis-brief-2018-ENG.pdf |access-date=26 June 2023 |website=International Commission of Jurists |page=3}}</ref> Several constitutional petitions were made before the Supreme Court of Pakistan to declare the trials unconstitutional, including by the former Chief Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja, who deemed it as "militarization of justice".<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 June 2023 |title=Supplementary Cause List 324 of 2023 |url=https://www.supremecourt.gov.pk/downloads_judgements/cause_list/isb/scl_324_27jun2023.pdf |access-date=26 June 2023 |website=Supreme Court of Pakistan |archive-date=26 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626172322/https://www.supremecourt.gov.pk/downloads_judgements/cause_list/isb/scl_324_27jun2023.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-21 |title=Former CJ also challenges military courts |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2422844/former-cj-also-challenges-military-courts |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Pakistan People's Party leader and prominent lawyer, Aitzaz Ahsan, was also one of the petitioners as he considered the move as "a complete anathema to the constitutional separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, the inalienable right of every Pakistani to be treated in accordance with law, and the fundamental rights of life, liberty, fair trial, and due process".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhatti |first=Haseeb |date=2023-06-17 |title=Aitzaz Ahsan moves SC against military trials of May 9 suspects |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1760274 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> Imran Khan, also filed a civil petition separately.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iqbal |first=Nasir |date=2023-05-26 |title=Civilians' trial by military illegal in peacetime: Imran |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1755884 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> The petitions have been clubbed together into a military courts case with a 6-member Supreme Court larger bench hearing it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-28 |title=Military courts case: AGP submits details of 102 arrested accused in SC |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/735479-Military-courts-case:-AGP-submits-details-of-102-arrested-accused-in-SC |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Dunya News |language=en}}</ref>

===Targeting of lawyers=== The legal fraternity, particularly those demanding the upholding of the Constitution of Pakistan and cessation of trials of civilians in military courts, were also targeted. A prominent lawyer, Uzair Bhandari, was abducted and later released after he left Imran Khan's residence after consulting with him on the matter of military courts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-18 |title=Imran Khan condemns 'abduction' of Advocate Bhandari |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/06/18/imran-khan-condemns-abduction-of-advocate-bhandari/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |language=en-US}}</ref> The house of Advocate Latif Khosa, former Governor of Punjab, was attacked by armed men after he made a speech against the interim government in Punjab and the trial of civilians in military courts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-18 |title=Sardar Latif Khosa blames house attack on those who didn't like his speeches |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1760350 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=Firing at Latif Khosa's residence injures driver |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2422052/firing-at-latif-khosas-residence-injures-driver |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref>

=== Judicial Inquiry Demands === After the 2024 general elections, several political figures advocated for a judicial inquiry into the May 9 riots. Ali Amin Gandapur, the newly elected Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), demanded a judicial inquiry in his inaugural speech.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farooq |first=Umer |date=2024-03-02 |title=CM Gandapur demands judicial probe into May 9 |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1818403 |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the PPP, endorsed Gandapur's call for a judicial inquiry during a session of the National Assembly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawn.com |date=2024-03-04 |title=In noisy NA session, Bilawal endorses PTI's call for judicial inquiry into May 9 riots |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1819087 |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> However, Ahsan Iqbal, leader of the PMLN, expressed conditional support for a judicial inquiry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-05 |title=Ahsan Iqbal supports call for judicial inquiry into May 9 riots |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458471/ahsan-iqbal-supports-call-for-judicial-inquiry-into-may-9-riots |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> He voiced his backing only if the inquiry also investigated similar incidents involving the PTI.

===Court cases=== Following the events, Imran Khan was released after the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared his arrest as 'illegal'.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-05-11 |title=Imran Khan: Pakistan's Supreme Court rules arrest was illegal |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65561807 |access-date=2024-08-11 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Khan remained free until he was arrested again on several cases, with many being from the military alleging Khan had relation to the riots.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-15 |title=Imran Khan 'arrested' by Lahore police over dozen of cases related to May 9 riots |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/imran-khan-arrested-by-lahore-police-over-dozen-of-cases-related-to-may-9-riots-13793150.html |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref> The Lahore High Court concluded that there was no audio or video evidence, that it was aware of, that Imran Khan was related to the May 9 riots.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-07-28 |title=No evidence linking Imran to May 9: LHC |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2483527/no-evidence-linking-imran-to-may-9-lhc |access-date=2024-08-11 |newspaper=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Imran Khan also stated, that he was ready to apologize for the riots should a single piece of evidence be found implicating PTI in the violence that ensued on 9 May .<ref>{{Cite web |last=Asad |first=Malik |date=2024-08-08 |title=Imran 'ready to apologise' if PTI role in riots proved |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1850840 |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> In May 2024 Khan was acquitted from two May 9-related cases due to insufficient evidence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=Pakistan court acquits Imran Khan in two cases related to May 9 riots |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-court-acquits-imran-khan-in-may-9-riots-9361318/ |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> In June 2025, a Lahore anti-terrorism court rejected the police's request to conduct a polygraph (lie detector) and Photogrammetry (photo identification) test on Imran Khan. The presiding judge said Khan was already granted two chances to demonstrate cooperation, which he chose not to avail, saying "This is the first case in Pakistan where a suspect is actively refusing to prove their innocence".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-11 |title=Lahore ATC rejects police request for polygraph, photogrammetry tests of PTI founder in May 9 cases |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/11-Jun-2025/lahore-atc-rejects-police-request-for-polygraph-photogrammetry-tests-of-pti-founder-in-may-9-cases |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}</ref>

In July 2024, a comprehensive order issued by Judge Khalid Arshad of the Anti Terrorism Court of Pakistan linked PTI's founder, Imran Khan, to the orchestration of attacks on military bases, government buildings, and police personnel. This order disclosed that Khan had directed PTI leaders to incite chaos and apply pressure for his release in the event of his arrest, according to testimonies from two prosecution witnesses. The court document detailed a meeting on 7 May 2023, where Khan allegedly instructed PTI leaders to brace for possible disturbances on May 9 if he were apprehended. In a video message, he reportedly cautioned that Pakistan could face turmoil similar to the 2022 Sri Lankan protests should he be detained, prompting his followers to participate in what he called a "real jihad for real freedom." The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, was also said to back Khan's position, suggesting that a hunger strike by Khan would trigger widespread protests both domestically and internationally. The prosecution argued that Khan masterminded a criminal conspiracy, mobilizing senior PTI figures to provoke actions that led to the Attack on the Corps Commander House, Lahore of the Jinnah House (Corp Commander House, Lahore), with the intention of intimidating the government. Judge Arshad's ruling highlighted that pre-arrest bail is not applicable for individuals plotting to undermine the government and committing acts of terrorism. As a result, Imran Khan's bail application was denied, upholding the court's stance on his supposed participation in the unrest.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2478818/court-order-reveals-imran-khans-role-in-targeting-military-installations-and-government-properties|title=Court order reveals Imran Khan's role in targeting military installations, govt properties|author=Rana Yasif|publisher=The Express Tribune|date=11 July 2024|access-date=14 August 2024}}</ref>

On 25 August 2025, an anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad convicted 59 individuals, including senior PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul, sentencing them to 10 years in prison in connection with the events of May 9. The court also sentenced 16 others to three years' imprisonment for attacking the residence of PMLN leader Rana Sanaullah and ordered the confiscation of properties belonging to 42 PTI supporters. A total of 34 accused, including former information minister Fawad Chaudhry and MNA Zain Qureshi, were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The judgment described the events as part of a broader conspiracy allegedly planned at meetings in Rawalpindi and Lahore, though defense counsel questioned the credibility of key prosecution witnesses. Earlier, the defense counsels argued that only three witnesses were presented in relation to the alleged conspiracy said to have been planned at Rose Hotel in the Chakri area of Rawalpindi and at Imran Khan's Zaman Park residence, and they contended that the participation of these witnesses—Asmat Kamal, Hassam Afzal, and Muhamad Khalid, all police officers—in the two alleged meetings was highly doubtful based on their own disclosures. Non-bailable arrest warrants were issued for 75 absent convicts, and overall, more than 160 PTI members had their properties confiscated under Section 7(2) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yasif |first=Rana |date=2025-08-26 |title=PTI men convicted in more May 9 cases |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2563256/pti-men-convicted-in-more-may-9-cases |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref>

=== Controversies === In August 2025, speculation emerged that Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, had sought a "sincere apology" over the riots, following a column by Suhail Warraich, a senior editor at the ''Daily Jang'' newspaper. Warraich claimed Munir had made the remarks during a conversation in Brussels, implying that political reconciliation could follow an apology—widely interpreted as being directed at the PTI, which the state holds responsible for the unrest. However, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry later clarified that the army chief had neither made any political statement nor requested an apology, and had not given any interview during the Brussels visit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawn.com |date=2025-08-21 |title=Army chief did not seek apology over May 9, culprits should be held accountable, DG ISPR clarifies |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1932318 |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref>

=== Social media trolling === 9 May incidents ({{Langx|ur|9 مئی کے واقعات}}) generated trolling on social media which went haywire in country's political scene due to overemphasis on its condemnation by government and ISPR. Punjab Police decided to crackdown on accounts involved in trolling on various social media platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=خان |first=بابر |date=2023-06-02 |title=9 مئی واقعات، سوشل میڈیا پر ٹرولنگ کرنے والوں کو گرفتار کرنے کا فیصلہ |url=https://urdu.arynews.tv/punjab-police-decision-to-arrest-those-trolling-on-social-media-0012/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=ARYNews.tv {{!}} Urdu - Har Lamha Bakhabar |language=ur}}</ref>

==Observance== On the first anniversary of the May 9 riots, President Asif Ali Zardari called the occasion a "dark day" in Pakistan's history. This incident is very important in the modern political history of the country.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1832268/president-zardari-says-may-9-to-be-remembered-as-dark-day-on-eve-of-1st-anniversary | title=President Zardari says May 9 to be remembered as 'dark day' on eve of 1st anniversary | date=9 May 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.samaa.tv/2087314400-may-9-will-always-be-remembered-as-dark-day-president-zardari|title='May 9' will always be remembered as dark day: President Zardari}}</ref> Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the events of May 9 were part of a well thought-out conspiracy. They claimed that the attack on military installations and properties was carried out as part of a planned conspiracy by a political party.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nation.com.pk/05-May-2024/defence-minister-says-may-9-was-a-planned-conspiracy | title=Defence minister says May 9 was a planned conspiracy | date=5 May 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/may-9-was-a-planned-conspiracy-khawaja-asif-1821521.html | title=May 9 Was a Planned Conspiracy: Khawaja Asif }}</ref> PTI observes these events as a "False Flag" operation aimed at crushing both the party and its leader, Imran Khan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-05-08 |title='Imran to Nation': May 9 false flag operation pre-planned to crush PTI |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/05/08/imran-to-nation-may-9-false-flag-operation-pre-planned-to-crush-pti/ |access-date=2024-08-13 |language=en-US}}</ref> PTI also condemned what it described as the unlawful detentions and brutal use of state power against its workers, who were peacefully protesting in observance of the alleged May 9 'false flag operation' across the country.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=PTI holds rallies in various cities to mark May 9 anniversary |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1187380-pti-holds-rallies-in-various-cities-to-mark-may-9-anniversary |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |date=10 May 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

===First anniversary===

The first anniversary of the May 9 riots was marked with various events and ceremonies. A "Black Day" was observed on the anniversary of the incidents in schools and other educational institutions across Rawalpindi. The district administration of Rawalpindi announced the observance of "Black Day" with an official notification.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/543097-may-9-riots-rawalpindi-schools-to-observe-black-day-tomorrow | title=May 9 riots: Rawalpindi schools to observe 'Black Day' tomorrow | date=8 May 2024 }}</ref>

A delegation of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Punjab Union of Journalists visited Jinnah House in Lahore on the occasion of the first anniversary. He condemned the desecration of the memorials of Pakistan's martyrs and expressed outrage over Attack on the Corps Commander House, Lahore.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nation.com.pk/08-May-2024/delegation-of-pfuj-puj-visits-jinnah-house | title=Delegation of PFUJ, PUJ visits Jinnah House | date=8 May 2024 }}</ref>

The PTI held public gatherings and processions on the first anniversary of the May 9 events,<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2024-05-09 |title=PTI to hold rallies on first anniversary of May 9 violent protests |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1832395 |access-date=2024-08-13 |newspaper=Dawn |language=en}}</ref> demanding the release of the party's founding chairman, Imran Khan, and other arrested leaders and workers.<ref name=":3" />

A PTI spokesperson criticized the government for "using excessive force against PTI under the pretext of a false flag operation on May 9, 2023, to crush the party," and vowed that they would continue their "peaceful movement to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and achieve Haqiqi Azadi".<ref name=":2" /> Imran Khan announced plans to take legal action to obtain CCTV footage of the May 9 riots,<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2024-08-11 |title=Imran to pursue legal action for May 9 footage |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2487125/imran-to-pursue-legal-action-for-may-9-footage |access-date=2024-08-13 |newspaper=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> which he claims could expose the true perpetrators.<ref name=":4" /> The government released "exclusive" video footage of the riots and attacks on military installations in November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-11-16 |title=Govt makes all 'May 9 mayhem footage' public, urges PTI to apologise over violent protests |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/574695-govt-makes-all-may-9-mayhem-footage-public-urges-pti-to-apologise-over-violent-protests |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Geo News |language=en-US}}</ref> In response to the call given by PTI, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to pay homage to the country's martyrs on May 9. A ceremony was organized in Jinnah Convention Centre in honor of the martyrs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1186584-to-counter-pti-s-call-pm-to-pay-tribute-to-martyrs-tomorrow | title=To counter PTI's call: PM to pay tribute to martyrs tomorrow | date=8 May 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/05/08/on-may-9-govt-convenes-cabinet-meeting-ceremony-to-pay-tribute-to-martyrs/ | title=On May 9, govt convenes cabinet meeting, ceremony to pay tribute to martyrs | date=8 May 2024 }}</ref>

Human rights advocates say that political repression has increased in Pakistan since the riots, maintaining that the situation has worsened since the attack on the military installations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/rights-groups-repression-in-pakistan-worse-1-year-after-assault-on-military-installations/7598851.html|title=Rights groups: Repression in Pakistan worse 1 year after assault on military installations|date=May 5, 2024|via=www.voanews.com}} </ref>

==References== {{reflist}} {{Imran Khan}} {{Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf}}

Category:2023 in Pakistani politics Category:May 2023 in Pakistan Category:2022–2023 Pakistan political unrest Category:Riots and civil disorder in Pakistan Category:2023 in Punjab, Pakistan Category:Law enforcement operations in Pakistan Category:Arson in Pakistan Category:Arson in 2023 Category:2023 fires in Asia Category:2023 riots Category:2020s political riots Category:May 2023 crimes in Asia Category:2020s crimes in Punjab, Pakistan Category:Attacks on military installations in 2023 Category:Attacks on air bases in Pakistan