Two years after the infamous events of May 9 in 2023, there is not even an iota of doubt that the day was one of the darkest in national history. The riots caused massive financial damage and triggered a sweeping state crackdown. Monuments dedicated to decorated fallen soldiers were desecrated, marking a departure from Pakistan’s long-standing political norms where even intense protests never crossed such symbolic red lines.

These widespread, synchronised attacks are difficult to be labelled as ‘spontaneous reactions’. Video evidence, digital trails and eyewitness accounts indicate that in several locations, identifiable political workers and local leaders of the main opposition party were present, directing or encouraging crowds. This was not the first time that protests associated with the workers of the said party had turned confrontational. However, the events of May 9 were far more severe than any such previous incident.

Two years later, however, a central question continues to haunt Pakistan’s judicial system: why have the alleged masterminds and instigators behind these events not yet been punished decisively?

A critical and often under-emphasised point is the response, or lack thereof, from the party’s top leadership in the immediate aftermath. Despite the severity of the attacks, there was no unequivocal condemnation that matched the gravity of the events. The failure to draw a firm line contributed to the perception that the violence was, at the most minimum, tolerated within segments of the party.

The state has repeatedly asserted that it possesses concrete evidence of coordi- nation behind the attacks. Officials have referred to intercepted communications, digital trails, and proper links between masterminds and mid-level party leader-ship. If such evidence exists, and it does, it should be central to establishing not just participation, but direction and intent.

At first glance, it may appear that accountability has been pursued. Hundreds of party workers were arrested, and several party leaders have rightly been convicted by anti-terrorism courts. However, a closer look reveals a fragmented and inconsistent accountability process. While lower- and mid-level party workers have borne the brunt of punitive action, there is no action against top leadership, particularly those accused of inciting the violence.

Legal complexities also seem to have slowed the path to accountability. The Supreme Court’s decision to bar military trials of civilians and to shift cases to civilian courts may look like a step towards due process, but it has led to prolonged the proceedings.

The already overburdened judicial system has struggled to process the sheer volume of cases, leading to delays. The May 9 events remain a lingering test of the country’s commitment to justice.

Bakhtiar Khattak
Peshawar

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026