In a major development, an anti-terrorism court has allowed the handover of 16 suspects, involved in the ransacking and vandalizing of Jinnah House, to the commanding officer so they can be tried under the army laws.
According to the details, the commanding officer earlier sought the custody of 16 miscreants for action against them under the Army Act. The suspects have been found guilty under sections 3, 7, and 9 of the Official Secrets Act and can also be tried under the Army Act.
The Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Abher Gul Khan has accepted the commanding officer’s plea. Among the 16 suspects, former MPA Mian Akram Usman is also included.
Read more: Lahore Police identifies over 300 women linked to arson at Jinnah House
On May 9th, violent protests were triggered in Pakistan after PTI Chairman Imran Khan was sent to jail in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Clashes erupted between protestors and the police authorities which also resulted in attacks on state and military property, for instance, the Corps Commander House in Lahore which is also known as Jinnah House.
“Jinnah House”
Before & After.
Get to know about the Significance of the house and What happened on 9th May.#Army #ISPR #PakistanArmy #Jinnahhouse #Lahore pic.twitter.com/rcmRIx6Yfj
— Pakistan Economic Net (@NetPakistan) May 17, 2023
In response, the Pakistan military’s top brass vowed to deal with the miscreants in the strongest possible terms, which includes justice through trial under relevant laws of the country, including the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secrets Act.
Read more: Trials under Army Act: Netizens react to military’s strong stand against protesters
The government later launched a massive crackdown against the PTI leaders and workers and rounded up thousands of people on charges of attacking civil and military installations.
On May 23, the joint investigation teams (JIT) formed to probe into the May 9 incidents started working. According to the authorities, the teams have arrested 688 suspects so far, while 1,634 people involved in the attacks are still most wanted.
The JIT officials said 422 people involved in extremist activities have been referred to the Counter-Terrorism Department for investigation. Moreover, 571 people have been sent to jail, the officials added.