ISLAMABAD: A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in its report has found Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership and several party members guilty of inciting violence on May 9, 2023.
The JIT in its reported submitted to the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) revealed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership instigated the public leading to the violent events.
The violent protests erupted across Pakistan following the PTI founder’s arrest from the Islamabad High Court’s premises on May 9. At least 10 people lost their lives and hundreds sustained injuries during the protest that continued for at least 24 hours.
The JIT report, completed after thorough investigation, says that prominent PTI figures such as Asad Umar, Azam Swati, and Hafiz Farhat, among others, are responsible for the incidents and should be held accountable.
During the hearing in Lahore, ATC Judge Arshad Javed questioned the defence lawyers of the accused, asking why they had previously requested an extension for the investigation and now that it was complete, they sought a delay in arguments.
The court later adjourned the hearing, for 14 January, when the defence will present its arguments.
Earlier this week, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi formally indicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with over 100 other PTI leaders and supporters, in connection with the May 9, 2023 riots.
Approximately 40 public buildings and military installations were damaged, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, and an Air Force Base in north western city of Mianwali.
The violence caused a loss of Rs2.5 billion to the national exchequer, of which, according to the state, Rs1.98bn in losses were suffered by the army.
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Last month, Imran’s bail petitions in eight cases pertaining to the May 9 violence, including the Jinnah House attack were dismissed by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore.
In August this year, Imran Khan offered a conditional apology for the widespread protests and violence that occurred on May 9, 2023.
Earlier, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif said that the Pakistan Army’s stance on the violent protests of May 9 remains unchanged and that those involved in the riots must be brought to justice.
