PUNJAB GOVT FORMS JIT TO PROBE JINNAH HOUSE ARSON

• The Punjab Home Department has established a joint investigation team (JIT) to investigate the incidents of vandalism and arson that occurred at Corp Commander House (Jinnah House) in Lahore on May 9.
• SSP Investigation Iqbal Town Aqeela Niaz Naqvi has been appointed as the convener of the JIT, which comprises four other officers from the provincial police force.
• The attack on Jinnah House was reportedly carried out by several PTI leaders and workers who entered the premises to protest against the arrest of their party Chairman, Imran Khan.

The Punjab Home Department has taken significant steps in the aftermath of the vandalism and arson at Corp Commander House (Jinnah House) in Lahore on May 9 by establishing a joint investigation team (JIT) to conduct a thorough probe into the incident. The JIT will be headed by SSP Investigation Iqbal Town Aqeela Niaz Naqvi, who has been appointed as the convener. Additionally, four other officers from the provincial police force will be part of the team.

The attack on Jinnah House was carried out by a group of PTI leaders and workers who unlawfully entered the premises to protest against the arrest of their party Chairman, Imran Khan. To ensure a comprehensive investigation into the matter, the JIT has been entrusted with the task of collecting evidence, analyzing facts, and identifying the individuals responsible for the vandalism and arson.

In a significant development, Rizwan Zia, son of retired Major Ziaul Hassan, who served as the Inspector General of Police in Punjab and Sindh, has been apprehended in connection with the Jinnah House attack case. The arrest was made based on geo-fencing records that implicated Rizwan Zia in the acts of vandalism and ransacking at Jinnah House. Further investigations are underway to gather more information from Rizwan Zia regarding his involvement in the incident.

Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has announced that 33 suspects involved in the attacks on army installations during the violent protests on May 9 have been handed over to the military authorities. Those found guilty of rampaging sensitive installations and prohibited areas will be prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act 1952. Minister Sanaullah has assured the public that the investigations will be conducted with utmost fairness and transparency, ensuring that justice is served.

The formation of the JIT and the subsequent arrests demonstrate the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order and holding those responsible for the criminal acts accountable. The investigations will play a crucial role in bringing the culprits to justice and ensuring the security and sanctity of important institutions in the country.