The interim Punjab government has reportedly submitted substantial evidence implicating the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in terrorist activities to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja. The goal is to have the PTI officially recognized as a proscribed organization.
The CEC, in Lahore for a meeting with Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, was part of a high-level briefing session on Thursday at the Chief Minister House. The session strongly denounced the May 9 terrorist occurrences and showed unswerving support for the Pakistan Army.
During the session, the CEC and associated members were given ample evidence of a political party’s involvement in the May 9 events, consisting of briefings, photographic and video evidence, and communication records.
While addressing the meeting, Caretaker Punjab CM Mohsin Naqvi condemned the political party that orchestrated the attack on military establishments on May 9, which he deemed a disgraceful act for the entire nation. He reported that the connections between the attackers and the party leadership residing in Lahore’s Zaman Park were established through geo-fencing. “In the garb of politics, a disgusting act was executed, with the initial damages to the national exchequer estimated to be around Rs600 million,” he revealed.
CEC Sultan Raja lauded the Punjab government under Naqvi’s leadership for their courageous efforts to safeguard the populace under the current circumstances. “I’m convinced that the Punjab government is dutifully fulfilling its obligations. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is committed to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful general elections, with no political affiliations or agendas,” he stated.
During the session, ECP members received a detailed account of the May 9 terrorist incidents from Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar. He disclosed details of the attacks on Jinnah House and other military installations.
Additional information on the destruction caused by the attacks was presented by the Additional Chief Secretary on Interior, noting that 256 violent incidents were registered over three days, with military installations being a primary target. In addition, the attacks damaged 108 vehicles and 23 buildings, including those of police and other governmental institutions. Tragically, five people lost their lives, with 127 police officers and 15 civilians injured.
Key members of the Election Commission of Pakistan were present at the meeting, including representatives from Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab. In addition, officials from the Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab, the Secretary of Law, the Secretary of Prosecution, and the Additional IG CTD were also in attendance.
