The Punjab Home Department has presented a comprehensive report to the government, officially attributing the May 9, 2023 violence in Lahore to former prime minister Imran Khan and the central leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The 17-page report, endorsed by the Standing Committee on Law and Order, characterizes the events as a "war against the state" and compares the attack on state institutions to actions by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to the rules, the report was made a regular part of the official documents. The report says that plans to target military installations were made earlier.
Key Findings of the Report:
- Planned Attack: The report alleges pre-planned actions by PTI workers, including targeting the Governor's House, Corps Commander's House, ISI offices, GHQ, airbase, the Martyrs' Memorial, and any associated buildings.
- Central Leadership Responsible: The report holds both central and local PTI leadership accountable, naming individuals like Hammad Azhar, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Ghulam Mohiuddin, Mian Mahmoodur Rashid, Umar Sarfaraz Cheema, Mansab Awan, Azam Khan Niazi, and Bajash Niazi.
- Social Media Incitement: The report accuses PTI of inciting violence through social media and party leadership calls.
- Financial Losses: The attack on Jinnah House reportedly caused damages exceeding Rs1.5 billion.
The report also accused vlogger Adil Raja, journalists Dr Moeed Pirzada and Sabir Shakir and others of inciting people through social media.
Reaction and Repercussions:
While the PTI leadership has yet to respond officially to the report's findings, the allegations are likely to further escalate tensions between the party and the current government. This report could potentially lead to legal action against the named individuals and potentially influence upcoming elections.
