The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) recently questioned Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), while serving in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Attock jail.
JIT’s intensive interrogation comes after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) authorized a deep dive into the violent events that marked May 9 nationwide.
Expansion of Cases Against Khan
Following court permission, six additional cases have been opened for investigation against Khan. The high-ranking, five-member JIT made its way to Attock Jail to interrogate the PTI leader, who is undergoing a three-year imprisonment sentence linked to the Toshakhana case. The charges against Khan, predominantly tied to sedition and anti-terrorism laws, are severe.
During this recent round of questioning, Khan, who was ousted as prime minister after a no-confidence motion in April 2023, was scrutinized regarding alleged offences under various sections, including waging war against Pakistan, abetting mutiny, and rioting. Further allegations suggest his connection with attacks on key locations such as Askari Tower, Shadman police station, and the torching of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) offices in Lahore, including the iconic Jinnah House.
The backdrop of the May 9 Riots
The widespread unrest on May 9 directly resulted from the former prime minister’s arrest concerning a £190 million settlement case. In the aftermath, numerous PTI affiliates and high-ranking officials were incarcerated for their roles in the aggression and assaults on critical military establishments.
During the uproar, culprits targeted vital civil and military infrastructures like the Jinnah House and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Military personnel later labelled This day of turmoil as the “Black Day”, leading to a decision to prosecute the instigators under the Army Act.
To investigate Khan’s possible involvement in the aforementioned violence, authorities appended specific provisions to the case on August 18. Consequently, they contacted the anti-terrorism court for the green light to probe further into the PTI leader’s actions. Judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar of the court subsequently sanctioned the police’s request.
