May 9 will be remembered as a dark day in history of Pakistan: President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that May 9, 2023, will always be remembered as a dark day in the history of Pakistan when politically agitated mobs created chaos across the country and damaged public property and military installations. 

He said that these incidents have badly tarnished the image of the country. The President in his message termed the mob attacks as an attempt to challenge the writ of the state, undermine the rule of law, and weaken the institutions.

He said that peaceful demonstrations and constructive criticism are the essence of democracy, and the constitution of Pakistan has fundamental rights of assembly and expression.

He said that any attempt to abuse rights by inciting violence will never be tolerated. We have never seen such vandalism in responsible democracies, with violent mobs destroying state property for political gain.

The president expressed his pride in the armed forces of Pakistan and its institutions, which have been leading the way in defending the nation from various threats.

President Zardari said that Pakistan was facing numerous challenges and such irresponsible actions of political forces not only hindered the progress achieved as a nation but also exacerbated the socio-economic challenges.

“The current political situation demands that all political parties work to promote tolerance, democratic values, and political dialogue and provide clear direction to the nation,” he said.

The president urged political parties, parliament, media, and civil society to strengthen democracy by upholding the rule of law and promoting a culture of tolerance, political dialogue, and inclusion.