The caretaker Punjab government submitted “proofs” of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s alleged participation in “terrorist attacks” on sensitive military installations to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday. In an official statement, the interim Punjab government arranged a briefing at the Chief Minister House, where Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and ECP members were provided with details regarding the violence that occurred in the province on May 9.
The handout issued by the provincial government after the meeting stated, “The chief election commissioner and the ECP members were presented solid proofs about the involvement of a political party in the 9th May terrorist incidents.” It further mentioned that evidence in the form of pictures, videos, and messaging was presented, revealing contacts between the attackers and the present political leadership in Zaman Park through geo-fencing.
The violence erupted in various parts of the country following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in a corruption case. During the unrest, several public and private properties, including sensitive government installations, were targeted and vandalized. Notable incidents included the torching of the historical Jinnah House, which served as the residence of the Lahore corps commander, and an attack on the army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. Additionally, the iconic Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar was also set ablaze.
Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the meeting, expressing his disappointment over the actions of “a political party” on May 9. He described the attacks on military installations as part of a “planned strategy” and revealed initial estimates indicating losses amounting to Rs6 billion.
The Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) briefed the attendees about the attack on Jinnah House and other military installations, while the additional interior chief secretary provided details of the damages caused by the terrorist attacks.
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According to officials, a total of 256 violent incidents occurred over a three-day period starting from May 9, specifically targeting military installations and locations. The violence resulted in five deaths, with 127 police officers and 15 civilians sustaining injuries. Furthermore, 108 vehicles and 23 buildings belonging to the police and other institutions were damaged.
CEC Raja acknowledged the bold and commendable steps taken by the Punjab government to protect the masses in the prevailing situation. He emphasized the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring fair, just, and peaceful general elections, affirming the commission’s impartiality and dedication to merit-based decision-making.
The meeting also focused on reviewing security arrangements for the upcoming general elections in Punjab. It was agreed upon that security measures would be reevaluated in light of the current situation.
The participants of the meeting expressed their strong condemnation of the terrorist incidents that took place on May 9, while expressing solidarity with the Pakistan Army.
In attendance were ECP members from different provinces, including Nisar Ahmad Durrani from Sindh, Shah Muhammad Jatoi from Balochistan, Justice (retd) Ikramullah Khan from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Babar Hasan Bharwana from Punjab. ECP Secretary Umar Hameed Khan, Special Secretary Zafar Iqbal Hussain, Punjab Election Commissioner Saeed Gul, additional IG, law secretary, secretary prosecution, and Lahore capital city police officer were also present.
