In the recent development regarding the inquiry into the May 9 riots, Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as well as all other individuals identified as suspects, have been formally accused of “criminal conspiracy.” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation Anoosh Masood announced this during a press conference in Lahore.
These additional charges are related to the incidents of vandalism and violence that erupted following the arrest of the former prime minister in the £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) UK settlement case on May 9.
Masood explained that authorities have included nine additional sections related to treason in the charges against all suspects, including Imran Khan. The investigation has revealed evidence of inciting mutiny and planning acts of vandalism by the PTI chief. According to Masood, all cases related to the May 9 incidents now include Section 120(B) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which deals with punishment for criminal conspiracy. She also mentioned that the prosecution addressed all objections raised before submitting the case records to the court.
The special Joint Investigation Team (JIT), tasked with investigating the widespread unrest on May 9, questioned the former prime minister. Khan, currently in custody at Attock jail in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and several other individuals, including some PTI leaders, are facing various allegations related to the violence that followed his arrest on May 9.
The riots resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and left several others injured, leading to the authorities arresting thousands of PTI workers and supporters. Authorities detained numerous party members and senior leaders for their involvement in violent acts and attacks on military installations.
Black Day
During the protests, assailants targeted both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military referred to May 9 as a “Black Day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.
To investigate Imran Khan’s role in the ensuing violence, the police added charges of incitement to mutiny and an attempt to wage war, among other provisions, to the case diary on August 18. Subsequently, Judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar granted permission to authorities to investigate the PTI leader, which they had sought from an anti-terrorism court. The additional offenses include sections 505, 153, 153-A, 153-B, 146, 131, 121, 121-A, 120-A, 120-B, and 107 of the law.
