ISLAMABAD: A decision has been taken to form a new joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the cases filed against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan regarding the May 9 violence.
This decision comes on the basis of recommendations submitted to the Punjab Home Ministry by the police.
The JIT will be responsible for investigating 12 cases linked to the May 9 events. In particular, three police superintendents (SP) will be replaced in the new team. The updated team will include SP Ahmed Zunair Cheema, who has been appointed SP (headquarters) Lahore. Additionally, SP Raza Tanveer has been appointed in Gujranwala district and SP (Investigation) Cantt Lahore Arszlan Zahid has been transferred from Multan.
Sources said two new members are expected to be inducted into the JIT to strengthen the investigation. An application to formalize these changes was also submitted to the High Court.
Also Read: Significant digital evidence emerges, May 9 CCTV footage
Fresh revelations emerged on Thursday after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s conditional pardon offer shed light on major digital evidence and CCTV footage related to the tragic events of May 9.
According to police sources, 81 videos emerged as critical digital evidence within seven days of the May 9, 2023 violent incidents.
The investigation also uncovered 2,046 images of destructive acts that occurred during the protests. Among them, 542 faces of angry protesters and 305 vehicle number plates were caught on CCTV, providing vital clues for law enforcement.
Further investigation revealed that PTI operatives caused extensive damage to surveillance infrastructure during the riots. The protesters destroyed cameras and surveillance points worth Rs 24.6 million. Notably, cameras worth Rs 5.5 million were destroyed near Girja Chowk in Lahore.
Also Read: JIT unearths over 130 pieces of evidence linking Imran Khan to 9/9 riots
On 15 July, the JIT announced that it had collected more than 130 pieces of evidence linking Imran Khan to the violent incidents that took place on 9 May 2023. According to JIT sources, the PTI founder’s involvement in incitement and acts of violence was firmly established.
The JIT claimed that the May 9 riots were not spontaneous but rather planned before the arrest of Imran Khan. Evidence suggested that the former prime minister played a significant role in organizing the protests, which turned violent. During the investigation, he reportedly admitted that after his arrest, supporters had mobilized in protest in the Cantt area.
