JIT holds PTI leadership responsible for May 9 Violence
The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) investigating the May 9 riots has held the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership responsible for the widespread vandalism that followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The unrest erupted after Khan was taken into custody by paramilitary forces at the Islamabad High Court in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case.
According to the JIT report, senior PTI leaders, including Azam Swati, Asad Umer, and Hafiz Farhat Abbas, incited party workers to engage in acts of violence and vandalism. The report was presented during a hearing at the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), presided over by Judge Arshad Javed.
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The court expressed frustration with PTI lawyers for their lack of preparation in presenting arguments, remarking, “You requested an investigation, and now that it’s completed, you are not arguing your case.” The judge instructed the lawyers to propose a date and adjourned the proceedings until January 14.
In a separate development, Lahore’s ATC formally indicted PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and 20 others on November 18 in a case linked to the planning of the May 9 incidents. The hearing took place at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where charges were framed against Qureshi, Ejaz Chaudhry, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, and others in a case registered at Race Course Police Station. The court has summoned witnesses for the next hearing.
The violence on May 9 erupted nationwide after Imran Khan’s arrest. PTI supporters organized protests that turned violent, leading to incidents of arson and clashes. Authorities subsequently arrested 1,900 individuals for their involvement, including party leaders and workers. Cases were also registered against Khan and other senior PTI members.
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