Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja attanded a meeting at the CM Secretariat in Lahore on Thursday, where they were briefed about the events of May 9.
The meeting was told that geo-fencing had provided evidence of a link between people involved in the vandalism and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership residing in Zaman Park.
The meeting was also told that 108 vehicles belonging to the police were damaged and 23 buildings also sustained damage. Total losses incurred due to incidents of violence and arson had reached Rs 600 crore.
“A sinister game was played under the garb of politics,” Naqvi was quoted as saying in the meeting. He also added that the actions of a political party on May 9 had brought ’shame to the country.
The chief election commissioner said that the Election Commission of Pakistan was not biased towards any political party.
“We take decisions on merit,” he said, seemingly a hint towards disciplinary action against PTI over the events of May 9.
Protests had broken out across Pakistan after Imran Khan was arrested by Rangers personnel from Islamabad High Court. They had turned violent in many places, including Lahore where Corp Commander House was reduced to ashes and vandalised.
Punjab has been under a caretaker government since January when the Punjab Assembly was dissolved by the PTI, hoping to force elections in the country. However, elections are yet to be held despite the 90 day limit having passed over a month ago.
On the other hand, the caretaker government has said that 30-40 terrorists are hiding in Zaman Park, the residence of Imran Khan and has indicated that an operation could be carried out.
