Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been summoned by a joint investigation team (JIT) to appear for questioning regarding the violent attack on the historic Corps Commander House, also known as Jinnah House. The attack took place on May 9 and resulted in the torching of the iconic building following anti-government protests against Khan’s arrest.
The JIT, formed by the Punjab interim government to investigate the arson attacks on Jinnah House and the Askari Corporate Tower in Lahore, has asked Khan to appear at the Qilla Gujjar police headquarters in Lahore. The case against the attack was registered with the Sarwar Road police station. The former prime minister, who is also the chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, is expected to provide insights into the incidents.
On May 9, a large number of PTI party workers stormed Jinnah House, vandalizing and subsequently setting it on fire. This act of violence triggered widespread protests and unrest, leading to a crackdown by security forces on the PTI party and its supporters. The protests resulted in the loss of lives, with at least eight people killed during the violent clashes.
The violence extended beyond the attack on Jinnah House. Protesters torched a static plane in Khan’s hometown of Mianwali in the Punjab district and attacked the ISI building in Faisalabad. The mob even targeted the Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, marking the first-ever breach of the heavily guarded compound. Multiple military installations were damaged or destroyed during the two-day violent protests.
The JIT, led by Deputy Inspector General of Police Kamran Adil, aims to uncover the truth behind the May 9 riots. The Punjab Home Department has established ten separate JITs to investigate the attacks and violent protests, which the army referred to as the “Black Day.” Imran Khan, being nominated in several FIRs lodged at various police stations in the province, is now required to cooperate with the probe body.
As Khan received the notice from the JIT, he consulted with his legal team to determine his course of action. It remains uncertain whether the PTI chairman will comply with the summons and appear before the investigation team.
The outcome of Khan’s potential questioning before the JIT could have significant implications for both his political future and the ongoing investigations into the violent attacks. It is a critical moment for Pakistan’s political landscape as the country seeks to address the aftermath of the protests and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.