It has been a year since Pakistan was rocked by widespread riots on Pakistan’s May 9, an event that marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in the country’s political landscape. The aftermath of these riots unfolded into a prolonged crisis, leading to the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and a subsequent crackdown on his political party.
The significance of this ‘dark day’ reverberates through the nation’s memory, underscoring the deep-seated tensions and challenges faced by Pakistan’s political establishment. The events that transpired during this period not only tested the resilience of the government but also sparked a national conversation on governance, accountability, and the rule of law.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced nationwide rallies for Thursday, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the arrest of its leader and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan.
Imran Khan, known for his transition from cricket to politics, was detained on this date last year, setting off a prolonged political turmoil. This crisis led to Khan’s imprisonment once more in August, facing multiple serious charges, amidst a government crackdown on his party.
Khan, aged 71, continues to be entangled in various legal cases where he has been found guilty, and is presently incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.
Let’s review the events leading to Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023, and the significant developments that have unfolded since then:
2022: Political Turmoil and Khan’s Removal
On April 10, Khan faced a no-confidence vote in parliament, leading to his removal from power. He claimed a conspiracy backed by the United States aimed at ousting him. Shehbaz Sharif, Khan’s rival from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) party, assumed the role of prime minister. The US has refuted any involvement in Khan’s dismissal.
By October 21, the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified Khan as a member of parliament due to “corrupt practices,” following his indictment in the state gifts case. This case revolves around allegations of Khan selling gifts received from foreign nations during his tenure.
Moving to November 3, an assassination attempt targeted Khan during a protest he led in Wazirabad city, Punjab province, demanding immediate elections.
Pakistan’s May 9 2023: Khan’s Arrest and Subsequent Developments
On May 9, Khan was arrested on corruption charges while appearing in court in Islamabad. This event spurred nationwide protests among his supporters, who accused the military of orchestrating his arrest. The military, however, has consistently denied any involvement in Khan’s legal or political challenges.
On May 11, in the midst of intense protests organized by PTI, Pakistan’s Supreme Court declares Khan’s arrest as unlawful and mandates his immediate release.
By May 17, authorities claim that Khan is harboring individuals involved in the May 9 riots at his residence in Lahore. The National Security Committee of Pakistan sanctions the military’s proposal to prosecute the detained rioters in military tribunals.
August 5: Khan was arrested in Lahore following an Islamabad court’s three-year prison sentence for illegally selling state gifts.
August 6: Pakistan’s election commission banned Khan from politics for five years after his conviction in the state gifts case.
August 9: President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly, paving the way for elections.
August 14: A caretaker government led by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar took office.
August 20: Khan’s close aide and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was arrested in the state secrets or cypher case.
October 21: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan from the UK, and the Islamabad High Court granted him bail in corruption cases.
October 24: The Supreme Court declared military trials of civilians in May 9 cases unconstitutional.
November 21: Islamabad High Court declared Khan’s in-jail trial illegal in the cypher case.
December 14: The Supreme Court upheld the government’s appeal, allowing military trials to continue in May 9 cases.
2024 & Political Turmoil
January 13: Khan’s PTI was banned from using the cricket bat symbol due to intra-party election issues.
January 30: Khan was sentenced to 10 years in jail in the cypher case.
January 31: Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 14 years in the state gifts case.
February 3: Khan and Bibi were sentenced to seven years for violating Islamic law in their marriage.
February 8: Pakistan held parliamentary and provincial elections amid accusations of vote rigging.
February 13: PMLN and PPP formed the government despite PTI-backed MPs being the largest bloc.
March 11: Police arrested over 100 PTI supporters protesting alleged election rigging.
April 1: Islamabad High Court suspended Khan and Bibi’s jail sentences in the state gifts case.
May 8: Bibi was moved from house arrest to Adiala jail.
The above timeline encapsulates the major events and their ramifications following Pakistan’s May 9 riots, reflecting on a year of political upheaval and legal challenges faced by key political figures in the country.
