Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Raza Muhammad Khan (Defense Analyst): On 9 May, efforts were made to create a void between people and armed forces of the country which fortunately did not work. The people in the armed forces, who were found involved, were also punished. Pakistan Army Act is an extension of the constitution of Pakistan and has been established since the last many decades. Supreme Court has yet to decide on this issue. The clauses of Army Act are constitutional and similar acts exist in many countries of the world. Indian spy Kulbhushan Jhadav was also tried under Army Act. All the elements involved in May 9 and 10 incidents will be brought to justice. The defendants in military courts are provided all facilities including the lawyers to defend themselves. There is also a need to bring social media into ambit as they have no offices in Pakistan and everyone is free to misuse these platforms against the state.

Brig. (Retd.) Said Nazir (Defense Analyst): May 9 is the darkest chapter in history of Pakistan in which state symbols were vandalized and harmed. The Army first of all took action against its own officers who were found involved in such acts on merit. As far as civilians involved in vandalism are concerned, they will be brought to justice through courts. The masterminds of such incidents will also need to be brought to justice. Such acts cannot be pardoned as it will send a negative message. The attempts to create rift in the army and between people is intolerable. The repercussions of such acts go far beyond. If the involved persons are not given exemplary punishment, it will harm the integrity of the country. Some elements used social media to brainwash the minds of young generation against the state. The possibility of involvement of foreign hostile agencies in such acts can also be not ruled out. The army showed exemplary restraint and patience on May 9 in order to tackle the situation.

Abdullah Gul (Defense Analyst): May 9 was a very sad incident in the history of Pakistan in which a conspiracy was hatched to pit the people of the country against its armed forces. However, the inimical forces did not succeed in their nefarious designs. Unfortunately, a political party launched a hate campaign against the vital state institutions and tried to harm the country in a way which the enemy could not do in last seventy five years. The youth of the country was brain washed under this conspiracy. Pakistan Armed Forces with the support of people are united to foil any conspiracy against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan. Those involved in attacks on state installations will be brought to justice. People of the country love their armed forces and will not tolerate any attempt to create wedge between them and the armed forces.