THE nation is in shock and grief over the happenings of May 9, and no one will deny that such a frenzied sequence of violence could only have been perpetrated either by a foreign hand or by anti-state elements. It is next to impossible to imagine that any political party would commit such a heinous act.

If someone did it, as is being alleged, the burden of proof shall be on the accuser, not the accused.

This is true of all legal proceedings, be they military or civil. Mere conjectures and probabilities can never take the place of legally acceptable proof and evidence.

The prosecution must prove that the firing, arson, etc., were intentional, and that they were prompted by fore-knowledge. Recovery of incriminating articles and weapons is necessary to implicate a person.

The finding of guilt should rest surely and firmly on the evidence produced.

Faisal Habib
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2023