Punjab govt submits report on May 9 tragedy, revealing Rs 197 million in damages across 38 cities. 24,595 suspects still absconding as Supreme Court orders quick trial.
Punjab Government Submits Report to Supreme Court
The Punjab government has presented its official report on the May 9 tragedy to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The report reveals a staggering loss of Rs 197 million due to coordinated acts of vandalism and violence across 38 cities in the province. The events led to severe damage to public and private property, raising serious concerns about law and order.
Supreme Court Calls for Swift Trials
In response to the report, the Supreme Court has directed trial courts to resolve all cases linked to the May 9 incidents within four months. This directive aims to ensure speedy justice and accountability for those involved in the unrest.
Financial Losses Across Key Cities
The report breaks down the financial losses by city, highlighting the widespread impact of the events. Lahore alone witnessed damages worth Rs 110 million, followed by Mianwali with Rs 50 million and Rawalpindi with Rs 26 million. These three cities bore the brunt of the destruction, accounting for the majority of the total loss.
Nature of the Incident
The Punjab government clarified that the incidents on May 9 were not peaceful protests or rallies. Instead, they were calculated attacks on state institutions. The report emphasizes that these acts were premeditated and not spontaneous demonstrations.
Cases Registered and Number of Accused
A total of 319 cases have been registered in 38 different districts across Punjab in connection with the events of May 9. Authorities have identified 35,962 individuals as accused in these cases. So far, 11,367 people have been arrested, while a large number—24,595—are still at large. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to speed up the process of locating and arresting the remaining suspects.
Response from Authorities
The government has taken the matter seriously and promised strict action against those responsible. Security measures across the province have been tightened to prevent similar incidents in the future. A digital system is being developed to track down the absconding individuals efficiently.
Supreme Court’s Firm Stance
By ordering courts to conclude these trials within four months, the Supreme Court has shown its commitment to upholding the rule of law. Legal experts see this as a crucial step to avoid delays and ensure justice is served in a timely manner. The move is expected to add pressure on prosecutors and judges to expedite the legal process.
Public and Political Reaction
The May 9 tragedy has triggered strong reactions from the public and political parties alike. Some citizens are calling for strict punishment for the culprits, while others are concerned about ensuring fair trials. Political groups have also taken contrasting positions—some accusing the government of political motives, while others support the crackdown as necessary for national stability.
The events of May 9 have left a lasting impact on Punjab. With massive property damage, thousands of accused individuals, and a fast-tracked legal timeline, the situation remains intense. The focus now is on justice, accountability, and preventing such violent outbreaks in the future. The government and judiciary are under public and institutional pressure to handle the matter responsibly and effectively.
