LAHORE: The Punjab police have formally requested the federal government to block the Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) of 18 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders who were declared absconders in cases related to the May 9 vandalism incidents.
In a letter addressed to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the police sought the blocking of CNICs for leaders including Murad Saeed, Imtiaz Sheikh, Farhat Abbas, Wasif Qayyum, Hamid Raza, Farrukh Habib, Aslam Iqbal, Azam Swati, Musarat Jamshed Cheema, Ahmed Niazi, Zubair Niazi, Saeed Ahmed Sindhu, and Hammad Azhar.
This action comes in the aftermath of the May 9 events, during which violent clashes erupted across Pakistan following the arrest of PTI chairman Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The protests led to widespread unrest, with demonstrations and incidents of arson reported in various cities.
The Lahore police, in response, compiled a list of 850 suspects connected to the May 9 riots, resulting in the arrest of 54 individuals allegedly involved in arson. The move to block CNICs is part of the ongoing investigation into the events and the identification of those deemed responsible for the violence.
Election Commission of Pakistan to Address Petitions Challenging PTI’s Intra-Party Elections
In another development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is scheduled to address petitions challenging the intra-party elections of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). A five-member bench will oversee the proceedings, and notices have been issued to Barrister Gohar Khan for the hearing.
Earlier, the Election Commission had directed the PTI to conduct intra-party elections within 20 days, warning that failure to do so could result in the party losing its electoral symbol, the bat.
In response to the directive, the PTI organized the elections, with Imran Khan opting not to contest for the position of chairman. Instead, Barrister Gohar Khan was elected unopposed in his place.
