Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan has declined the government’s request to allow a search operation at his residence in Zaman Park on Friday.
The Punjab government made allegations on Wednesday that “30-40 terrorists were hiding inside Khan’s residence” and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to PTI to hand over the individuals or face action. However, no action has been taken even after 48 hours.
The government’s negotiation team, armed with search warrants obtained from an anti-terrorism court, arrived at Zaman Park and engaged in discussions with Imran Khan and his legal team regarding the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the search. However, no progress was made during the meeting.
Imran Khan has presented certain conditions for the search, which would be conveyed to the interim government by the delegation, said sources.
Authorities also presented alleged evidence to Imran Khan regarding the presence of terrorists who had attacked and vandalized military installations. However, the PTI chairman remained unmoved.
In response to the situation, the authorities have initiated a crackdown on PTI workers and leaders due to their involvement in torching public property and defense installations following Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, a day the military referred to as a “Black Day.”
Iftikhar Rasool Ghumman, an aide of Imran Khan, expressed satisfaction with the government team and stated that there was nothing present at the residence as claimed by the authorities. He added that they would welcome the government team whenever they decide to visit.
The standoff between the government and Imran Khan continues, with the search operation pending as both sides hold their ground on the matter
According to Punjab Caretaker Information Minister Amir Mir, a deadlock persisted between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding the search operation at Zaman Park.
Mir stated that Imran Khan had insisted that only four police personnel would be allowed to search his house. The visiting delegation had provided a list of 2,200 individuals wanted in various cases, including Hassan Niazi, Zubair Niazi, Murad Saeed, Azam Swati, and Hammad Azhar. Mir added that the authorities tracked their locations through geo-fencing.
However, in response, Imran Khan informed the delegation that the individuals being sought by the authorities were not present at his residence, as per Mir.
The impasse between the government and Imran Khan continues, with conflicting claims regarding the presence of wanted individuals at Zaman Park. The outcome of the situation remains uncertain, and both sides are expected to further deliberate on the matter.
Meanwhile, the road between Mall Road and Dharmapura in Lahore has been closed off by the police, while all the roads leading to Zaman Park have been cordoned off.
During a meeting today, Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered that the cases registered against the miscreants must be pursued with full force and that the “fugitives” should be arrested as soon as possible.
The meeting was held to review the law and order situation in the province and the progress made so far in search of perpetrators involved in the May 9 protests.
