May 9 riots

The May 9 riots or 9/5 riots were a series of violent incidents that took place on 9 May 2023, in Pakistan. Following the arrest of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's head, Imran Khan, from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court, demonstrations held by PTI's supporters descended into violent riots. There was extensive damage done to government and military facilities as a result of the protests fast becoming violent and engaging law enforcement. The government responded with a mobile internet blockade and a crackdown against PTI's leaders, workers, and supporters, as well as those perceived to be allied to the party's cause within the media and legal fraternity. Trials of civilians within military courts were also initiated and are being challenged in the country's Supreme Court in the military courts case. PTI alleges that the incidents of 9th May were a false flag operation designed by the military establishment to disintegrate PTI and frame Imran Khan.