Federal Minister for Privatisation Aleem Khan paid homage to the martyrs of the country on the first anniversary of May 9 vandalism.

Expressing his thoughts, Aleem Khan said: "There is a lot of respect for the Pakistan Army in my heart. It is because of the strong and powerful army that the country's entity exists."

The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) president acknowledged the sacrifices made by the country's martyrs.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed that the nation would never again witness such turmoil and unrest.

President Zardari had stated that May 9, will always be remembered as a dark day in Pakistan's history when a politically instigated mob ran amok across the country, damaging public property and military installations.

Meanwhile, taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of unity and sacrifice for the betterment of the nation.

Describing May 9 as a day etched in the darkest annals of history, the premier underscored the imperative to prioritize the nation's interests above all else.

He stressed the need to differentiate between those who selflessly laid down their lives for the country and those who sought to sow seeds of discord and hatred.

"May 9 is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave sons of the nation and a call to extinguish the flames of animosity," said the prime minister.

He reiterated his commitment to eradicating the forces that threaten the peace and stability of the country.

Reflecting on the passage of a year since the tragic events unfolded, the premier solemnly acknowledged that the scars of that day still linger in the collective memory of the nation.

However, he expressed optimism for the future, asserting that the nation must forge ahead and set ambitious goals for development and progress.

In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all citizens to unite in their resolve to build a brighter future for generations to come.

He emphasised the importance of solidarity and cooperation in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead, reaffirming his unwavering dedication to serving the people of Pakistan.