Punjab’s caretaker Information Minister, Amir Mir, clarified on Wednesday night that the provincial government currently has no intentions of arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
During an interview on Geo News’ program “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath,” the provincial minister stated, “First, let the 24-hour deadline expire, and then the government will disclose its plans.”
The information stated that the deadline is set to expire at 2pm on Thursday, and no action will be taken at Khan’s Zaman Park residence before that time. This comes in response to the PTI chief expressing concerns about a possible arrest.
In a tweet, the PTI chief, who was previously ousted as the prime minister in April last year, expressed concerns, stating, “Probably my last tweet before my next arrest. Police have surrounded my house.”
Mir further added that Khan is engaging in incitement, stating that he is doing so “just like always”. The information minister accused the PTI chief of spreading falsehoods and labeled his statements as “lies”.
The minister clarified that the police will not be carrying out an operation, but they possess evidence suggesting the presence of 30-40 individuals labeled as “terrorists” who were allegedly involved in the attacks on military installations on May 9 at Zaman Park.
Probably my last tweet before my next arrest .
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 17, 2023
Police has surrounded my house.https://t.co/jsGck6uFRj
“It is possible that Khan Sahab might ask those people to leave Zaman Park. When they do, we will arrest them,” he stated, mentioning that all agencies, in their reports, have confirmed the presence of the aforementioned “terrorists” at Khan’s residence.
During his press conference earlier in the day, the minister issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the PTI, demanding the surrender of the “30-40 terrorists” who were reportedly seeking refuge at the former prime minister’s residence in Lahore.
“The PTI should hand over these terrorists, or the law will take its course,” stated the minister, emphasizing the government’s stance. He further mentioned that the presence of these “terrorists” was known to the government through credible intelligence reports.
