A decision has been made to form a new joint investigation team (JIT) to investigate the cases filed against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan regarding the May 9 violence.
This decision comes following recommendations submitted to the Punjab Home Department by the police.
The JIT will be responsible for probing 12 cases linked to the May 9 events. Notably, the new team will see the replacement of three superintendents of police (SPs). The updated team will include SP Ahmed Zunair Cheema, who has been appointed as SP (headquarters) Lahore. Moreover, SP Raza Tanveer has been appointed in Gujranwala district and SP (Investigation) Cantt Lahore Arszlan Zahid has been reassigned from Multan.
Sources said that two new members are expected to be inducted into the JIT to strengthen the investigation. An application to formalize these changes has also been filed with the high court.
Also Read: Significant digital evidence, CCTV footage of May 9 emerges
On Thursday, new revelations emerged following the offer of conditional pardon by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan, shedding light on significant digital evidence and CCTV footage related to the tragic events of May 9.
According to police sources, 81 videos surfaced as critical digital evidence within seven days following the violent incidents of May 9, 2023.
The investigation also uncovered 2,046 images depicting the destructive acts that took place during the protests. Among these, 542 faces of enraged protesters and 305 vehicle number plates were captured on CCTV, providing crucial leads for law enforcement.
Further investigation revealed that PTI workers caused extensive damage to surveillance infrastructure during the unrest. Cameras and surveillance sites worth Rs24.6 million were destroyed by the protesters. Notably, cameras worth Rs5.5 million were specifically destroyed near Girja Chowk in Lahore.
Also Read: JIT reveals over 130 pieces of evidence linking Imran Khan to May 9 unrest
On July 15, the JIT had announced that it gathered more than 130 pieces of evidence connecting Imran Khan to the violent incidents that occurred on May 9, 2023. According to JIT sources, the PTI founder’s involvement in incitement and violent acts was firmly established.
The JIT claimed the unrest on May 9 was not spontaneous, but rather planned ahead of Imran Khan’s arrest. Evidence suggested that the former prime minister played a significant role in organizing the protests, which turned violent. During the investigation, he allegedly acknowledged that supporters were mobilizing to protest in the Cantt area following his arrest.