In the aftermath of violent protests in Lahore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given a 72-hour ultimatum for the arrest of individuals responsible for the arson and attacks that ensued after the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan. Shehbaz Sharif has accused Imran Khan of planning and instigating the violence, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, the caretaker Punjab government has formed a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the torching of the corps commander’s residence and other incidents of vandalism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and the corps commander’s house to assess the situation following the protests that unfolded after the arrest of Imran Khan. In a tweet, the prime minister expressed his determination to arrest all those involved in the disgraceful acts of arson, ransacking, and property damage.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the cases of vandalism would be tried in anti-terrorism courts, and he instructed the law minister to increase the number of such courts for this purpose. He held Imran Khan and his armed followers responsible for acting against the interests of Pakistan, stating that the nation, except for Khan and his followers, mourned the painful incidents.
During his visit to Jinnah House, the prime minister condemned the “barbaric act” of torching the corps commander’s residence and squarely blamed Imran Khan for planning and instigating the attack. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his commitment to apprehending all the culprits who showed enmity towards the motherland and disrespected the historical significance of the building and the army officer and his family residing there.
The prime minister also visited the Combined Military Hospital and Services Hospital in Lahore, where he met with injured police officers. He criticized Imran Khan on social media for his statement accusing the army chief of orchestrating his arrest, considering it a reflection of Khan’s diseased and obsessive mindset.
The Punjab government has formed a JIT to investigate the attack on Jinnah House and the vandalization of other military and civil installations in the province. However, there has been no inquiry yet into how the protesters managed to reach the heavily fortified Lahore Cantonment or any accountability placed on the police and officials for failing to curb the rampage.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s demand for the prompt arrest of those involved in the violent incidents in Lahore highlights the government’s determination to maintain law and order. Accusing Imran Khan and his followers of orchestrating the attacks, Shehbaz Sharif aims to bring them to justice through anti-terrorism courts. The formation of a JIT demonstrates the government’s commitment to thoroughly investigate the incidents. As the deadline looms, the nation awaits the outcomes of the investigation and hopes for a swift resolution to the unrest.