KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has urged the federal government and the armed forces to announce amnesty for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers who were innocently caught up in the events of May 9, calling them "victims of circumstance" and, in some cases, "external conspiracy".

Speaking to the media in Karachi yesterday, the governor acknowledged the complex nature of the May 9 violence, saying that while some individuals acted with intent, many PTI workers were misled, manipulated, or acted out of ignorance.

He stressed that those who were not directly involved in anti-state actions should be released and given a chance to reintegrate peacefully into society. "Some people joined the events unknowingly, and some were victims of a foreign conspiracy. The innocent ones must be distinguished from the guilty and forgiven," he said.

At the same time, Tessori also called for caution moving forward. "They must be warned never to fall for such conspiracies again. But punishing the innocent only pushes them further away," he concluded. Tesori emphasized that the PTI had spent two years embarrassing its supporters and the armed forces, but insisted that not all its members shared that agenda. "Some supported the wrong people unknowingly, but they do not deserve lifelong punishment," he added.

The governor made a direct appeal to the armed forces and government, saying: "I request the leadership to show mercy and announce amnesty for those PTI workers who were not involved in violence but were swept up in the chaos of May 9."

Governor Tessori also pointed out that India misunderstood the internal political unrest. "India thought one party had destabilized Pakistan. But all political forces, including the PTI, have since united in giving a clear message to India - that we stand together when it comes to national sovereignty," he asserted.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 17 2025

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