Khan Seeks NRO

(Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi)

Unfortunately, the political actions of Imran Khan and his party have placed political interests ahead of the nation’s welfare. His speeches and actions have led many to perceive him as an adversary to the state, the Pakistan Army, and the country’s institutions. On May 9, 2023, Pakistan experienced a tragic and unprecedented series of attacks on military installations, security forces, and national monuments. This day marked a significant turning point in the country’s history, resulting in widespread destruction, loss of life, and further deepening the political and security crises that Pakistan was already facing.

The attacks also involved the deliberate destruction of critical military equipment. Tanks, armored vehicles, and trucks were set alight, and sensitive military hardware was looted or damaged. These acts of vandalism aimed not only to target the military’s material resources but also to demoralize the armed forces and disrupt their ability to respond to future threats. Perhaps the most heart-wrenching part of the May 9 events was the attack on monuments dedicated to Pakistan’s martyrs—those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. These memorials are vital symbols of the sacrifices made by the country’s armed forces and civilians in wars, military operations, and the fight for sovereignty. On May 9, several of these monuments were targeted, either through vandalism or direct destruction. Some were defaced with graffiti, while others were physically destroyed. The attack on these symbols of national pride and sacrifice struck at the heart of Pakistan’s collective memory, deepening the divide between the military and the protesters. In Islamabad, one of the most significant and symbolic attacks occurred at the Monument of Martyrs, dedicated to those who gave their lives in Pakistan’s wars and military operations. Protesters vandalized the Monument of Martyrs, spraying slogans and causing damage to its structure. The attack was viewed as a symbolic strike against the core values of patriotism and sacrifice embodied by the martyrs. This event deeply shocked Pakistanis, as the Monument of Martyrs has long been a symbol of national pride and unity. Defacing such an important site was a severe blow to the country’s collective memory and national identity. Similarly, war memorials in Lahore and Peshawar, dedicated to soldiers who fought in the Indo-Pakistani Wars and other military operations, were also targeted. These memorials are not only dedicated to soldiers but also represent the resilience and sacrifices of the Pakistani people. The destruction of these sites was viewed as a deliberate effort to erase the memories of past struggles and the sacrifices made for the nation. The vandalism and destruction of such monuments were seen as violent acts that threatened to tear apart Pakistan’s historical narrative, undermining the sense of pride and respect these memorials had instilled in citizens. The attacks on the Pakistan Army and its monuments highlighted the deep political divisions within the country. What started as protests against Imran Khan’s arrest quickly turned into violent actions aimed at weakening the military’s authority. Given the military’s central role in Pakistan’s political landscape, any attack on its authority or credibility undermines the country’s overall stability.

The May 9 attacks had significant consequences for national security. In their aftermath, the military and law enforcement agencies were compelled to respond forcefully, resulting in widespread arrests, crackdowns on protestors, and increased security measures. The violence of that day raised concerns about the state’s ability to maintain law and order, putting Pakistan’s national security at risk. It also weakened the country’s governance, eroding public trust in the political system and prompting doubts about the nation’s stability. These events underscored the fragile nature of Pakistan’s democracy.

The Pakistani government decided to take a firm stance against those responsible for the May 9 violence, while the Pakistan Army chose to remain neutral. It was determined that anti-state elements would be dealt with according to the law, military courts, and military regulations. Imran Khan’s politics have often been at odds with the country’s best interests. He accused both the United States and the Pakistan Army of conspiring to remove his government, yet at the same time, he attempted to leverage these very entities for support. His contradictory stance—accusing the military and the US while simultaneously seeking their aid—highlighted his inconsistency.

Imran Khan’s call to the diaspora for civil disobedience and to withhold remittances from Pakistan further demonstrated his lack of regard for the country’s welfare. Recently, it was reported that Imran Khan had written a letter to the Army Chief, but General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, publicly denied receiving any such communication. He stated that even if a letter had been received, he would forward it to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking informally during a luncheon with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, General Munir emphasized that he would not read or entertain any such letter. This clear stance by the Army Chief, who affirmed the military’s neutrality, reassured Pakistanis that the Army had decided to let the nation’s legal system handle anti-state elements. Imran Khan has repeatedly stated that the Army should remain neutral, yet he is now contradicting himself by attempting to involve the Pakistan Army in his personal political and legal battles. These actions highlight the duality in Imran Khan’s approach—on one hand, he assures his followers that he will not seek any NRO, but on the other, he is actively seeking every possible route to gain an NRO and secure relief. The nation sees this as a clear indication of Imran Khan’s deep desire to obtain an NRO. Imran Khan and his party must have the moral fortitude to address their issues through political and legal means.

Imran Khan and others involved in the events of May 9 must face Pakistan’s legal system for their actions, rather than attempting to bypass it. The nation remains shocked by the May 9 incidents and demands that those responsible for these heinous acts face strict legal consequences. The people urge the government not to yield to any pressure and to deal with these individuals firmly, setting an example to prevent such incidents in the future.