[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]LAHORE: Declaring senior PTI leader Dr Yasmin Rashid as the main accused in the Jinnah House arson case, Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has claimed that the attacks on military installations during the recent protests across the province were pre-planned.
“There is enough evidence to prove that the attack on the Corps Commander’s House and the PAF Mianwali airbase were pre-planned, as the assailants had been given prior instructions about their respective targets,” Mr Naqvi told senior journalists on Sunday.
He also claimed that there was a plot to set fire to the aircraft parked at the Mianwali airbase as the violent PTI activists attacked the same buildings and installations as the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“The majority of the miscreants were armed…”That was an attack on Pakistan,” he said, vowing to hold accountable everyone involved in the attacks.
According to him, the arsonists burned 108 official vehicles and destroyed Punjab Safe City Authority cameras and official records while “carrying lists of their targets.”
Dr Rashid, according to Mr Naqvi, was the main character in the entire episode on May 9, the day PTI chairman Imran Khan was arrested.
Dr Rashid, a cancer survivor, was initially detained by police and held in the Kot Lakhpat jail. She was later transferred to the Services Hospital after complaining of breathing problems.
Also Read: PM Shehbaz wants rioters involved in May 9 violence arrested within 72 hours.
Mr Naqvi stated that financial losses incurred as a result of the May 9 “terrorism” totaled Rs6 billion, and he predicted that the figure would rise as more damage estimates were completed.
He bemoaned the use of “terrorism” in the name of politics and vowed to pursue all such cases to their logical conclusion, promising that no innocent person would be apprehended and that no one responsible for the terrorism would go free.
“Agreeing to a compromise on these terrorism cases would be cruel to Pakistan.” Punishing those responsible for terrorism will be part of whoever occupies this chair (CM office) in my place.”
He claimed that a political party protested at Gulberg’s Liberty Market, and that the same political workers resort to terrorism in Cantonment. At least 400 miscreants invaded and set fire to the Jinnah House, while another 3,400 miscreants were present outside the building.
Leaving aside all official matters, he stated that full attention was being paid to ensuring the arrest of the attackers, adding that many of the miscreants had been apprehended and raids were being conducted to apprehend others.
He stated that no leniency would be shown to anyone, and that in light of solid evidence, authorities had moved closer to the terrorist plotters.
The chief minister stated that all cases would be tried as soon as possible, and that the number of anti-terrorism courts would be increased if necessary.
Mr Naqvi stated that in the event of a future attack on government property, the police would respond with full force in accordance with the law. “Citizens have raised numerous concerns about the no-go zones in Zaman Park, which will be addressed at an appropriate time,” he added.
In response to a question, he stated that after breaking the PSCA cameras, hard discs were taken from the cabin (by arsonists) and burned.
He claimed that, in addition to the attacks on the Corps Commander’s House, Askari Bank, and Askari Tower, the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) was also attacked and looted as part of a “plan.” Ambulances, fire trucks, Wasa vehicles, and trolleys were also destroyed, he said.
Many ATMs, National Bank and Punjab Bank branches, as well as two metro bus stations in Rawalpindi, he said, adding that the reconstruction and repair of these state assets would cost around Rs100 million. In addition, he claimed that arsonists set fire to single-cabin police vehicles, prisoners’ vans, motorcycles, and buses, among other things.
He stated that because political activities had devolved into terrorism, the government had filed a complaint with Pakistan’s Election Commission.
In response to a question, he stated that US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad was no longer important and that his tweets should not be taken seriously. “Zalmay Khalilzad has no credibility and is targeting our military leadership.” The federal government should take note of his meddling in Pakistan’s domestic affairs.”
Previously, journalists were shown videos of miscreants attacking public and private buildings.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has decided to form a joint investigation committee to look into the rioting during the PTI chairman’s arrest protests.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
