PTI demands judicial commission led by SC on events of May 9

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday reiterated its demand for the immediate formation of a judicial commission comprising senior judges of the Supreme Court to conduct a “transparent, impartial and credible” investigation into the events of the May 9, 2023 riots, while calling for the release of party founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

Unrest broke out across the country following Imran’s arrest, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests against civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

The military condemned the events as a “Black Day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Law.

Read: ATC sentences 47 PTI leaders to 10 years in May 9 headquarters attack case

In a post on

“This action was an open violation of the Constitution, the law and fundamental human rights,” he said.

The PTI spokesperson said the party had, from the beginning, demanded “transparent, impartial and independent investigations” into the events of May 9 and continued to maintain that demand.

“We have repeatedly made it clear that a judicial commission comprising serving senior judges of the Supreme Court must be established to bring all the facts before the nation,” he said.

Raising questions about the alleged disappearance of CCTV footage related to the incidents, he said their absence had deepened concerns about the credibility of the investigation process.

“Where exactly are those images that could have determined truth from falsehood?” he asked, adding that his lack of availability reinforced the impression that the facts were being deliberately hidden.

Referring to the PTI founder’s repeated demands, he said the former prime minister had consistently asked for an independent judicial commission to identify those responsible for the incidents.

“But unfortunately to this day a judicial commission has not been created nor has the truth been told to the nation. This conduct is contrary to the demands of justice,” he added.

Akram alleged that after May 9, thousands of PTI workers, including women, were arrested and detained for months, while several people were convicted “without concrete evidence”.

“These actions are not only violations of human rights but also reflect the illegitimate use of state power,” he said.

Read also: The May 9 Saga

The PTI leader maintained that the party respected defense institutions and believed that institutional strength could only be ensured through “justice, transparency and the rule of law.”

“We once again demand that a judicial commission comprising senior judges of the Supreme Court be immediately set up. All CCTV footage of May 9 be made public domain,” he said.

He also demanded the immediate release of Imran, Bushra Bibi and “arrested innocent individuals, especially women.”

“The real culprits will be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” he added.

“The nation awaits the truth. No matter how many facts are suppressed, they will surely come to light one day or the other,” he said, adding that the PTI will continue its fight for “the supremacy of the Constitution” and restoration of public trust.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also demanded immediate release of the footage related to the May 9 incidents, describing the day as “a black day in the history of Pakistan”.

“After May 9, false rulers were imposed on the country, who spared no effort in the destruction of Pakistan and the Pakistani people,” he said.

He alleged that the rulers had weakened state institutions, damaged the economy and widened the gap between the people and the institutions.

Referring to the controversy over CCTV footage, the prime minister said serious questions about the events remained unanswered.

“Till today, the CCTV footage of the incident has not been shown. That is why my leader Imran Khan Sahib had said, ‘Whoever stole the CCTV footage orchestrated May 9.'”