[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The interim Punjab government has given the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) a 24-hour deadline to hand over to police the “30-40 terrorists that have taken refuge” at the former prime minister’s Zaman Park residence in Lahore.
“The PTI must hand over these terrorists or the law will take its course,” said Caretaker Information Minister Aamir Mir at a press conference in Lahore. He also stated that the government was aware of the presence of these “terrorists” because credible intelligence reports were available.
“The intelligence report that has come in is very alarming,” Mir said. He went on to say that geo-fencing enabled the agencies to confirm the presence of “terrorists” in Zaman Park.
“PTI is starting to behave like a non-state actor,” said Mir. He added that the PTI chief has been targeting the military since over a year and urged the party to hand over the “terrorists”.
Also Read: PM Shehbaz wants rioters involved in May 9 violence arrested within 72 hours.
“The PTI leadership had planned the attack before the arrest [of Imran Khan],” said Mir.
The interim information minister shared that attacks on military installations were carried out during May 9 violent protests under a set plan, adding that the government has adopted a “zero tolerance policy” towards it and interim Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has given a “freehand” to the Punjab Police to deal with “arsonists”.
In response to a question, he stated that the attack on Jinnah House could have been easily avoided, but the caretaker chief minister had prohibited the police from using weapons. “We wanted to avoid any bloodshed in the province.”
“During the attack on the Corps Commander House, several arsonists communicated with people inside Zaman Park.” “They will be made an example of so that such an act will not be repeated in the future,” Mir said.
According to the interim information minister, the government has decided that those who attacked military installations will be tried in military courts.
“Those who have been arrested thus far are being thoroughly investigated.” “Cases are being forwarded only after complete confirmation [of their involvement],” Mir stated.
He reiterated that the “PTI miscreants” crossed a “red line” on May 9, and revealed that 795 attackers have been identified, with 78 physically detained and 609 judicially detained.
“Those who challenged the writ of the state will be made to run in such a way that they will be able to participate in the Olympics,” Mir warned journalists sarcastically.
On May 9, Khan was arrested by paramilitary troops acting on the orders of the National Accountability Bureau in Islamabad, sparking clashes between his supporters and security forces that left at least eight people dead. Hundreds more were arrested, including the PTI leader’s close aides and political associates.
The National Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, backed a military move to prosecute those involved in the violence on Tuesday.
The army had previously issued a strongly worded statement declaring that it would no longer exercise “restraint” against those who attacked its buildings.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
