May 9, 2022 will be remembered as one of the most consequential days in Pakistan's recent political history. In the wake of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest, violent protests erupted across the country, targeting military installations in an unprecedented escalation. Protesters stormed army buildings, torched monuments and clashed with law enforcement in scenes that shocked the nation.

The state machinery swiftly blamed PTI for orchestrating the violence. Dozens of cases were registered against the party's leaders and workers, with serious accusations including sedition, terrorism and incitement against the armed forces. PTI, however, denied any organisational role in the violence and insisted that rogue elements had hijacked the protests. The party called for an independent judicial commission to ascertain the truth, but to no avail. No neutral or transparent inquiry has been held to date, leaving many questions unanswered and fuelling public scepticism.

In the absence of due process, the crackdown intensified. Imran Khan and several top leaders were arrested under various charges, with many still facing a trial or are behind bars. Thousands of workers were rounded up, and many remain in prison without formal convictions. Press conferences became a theatre of public disassociation, with prominent PTI figures announcing their departure from the party — often following their release from custody. The exodus appeared coordinated, and critics labelled it as........

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