The Punjab government would appoint a JIT to investigate the assault on civic and military institutions.

LAHORE: The Punjab government agreed on Saturday to form a joint investigative team (JIT) to examine assaults on public and military buildings prompted by the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

The JIT will look into the damage and arson taken out around the province by violent demonstrators demanding Khan’s release after his detention on May 9.

Following the investigation, the team will give a thorough report to the provincial administration in order to expedite the process of apprehending the miscreants.

Following the arrest of the PTI chairman, violent protesters across the country attacked sensitive national institutions and buildings, including Jinnah House, the home of the Lahore corps commander, desecrated martyrs’ monuments, arson, obstructed national broadcast, blocked the Swat Motorway, burned Radio Pakistan, and other public and private buildings, and even seized government officials and citizens.

During a meeting with his caretaker cabinet to examine the province’s law and order situation, Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed that offenders caught engaged in the violence be prosecuted as soon as possible.

“All destructed areas will be geofenced,” Naqvi said.

All charges against miscreants would be tried at the anti-terrorism court, according to the province chief minister.

“No sinner will be spared, and no innocent person will be held,” he said.

Interim Chief Minister Naqvi said that all troublemakers would be prosecuted with proof. “Those who attacked civil and military property will face severe punishment.” Miscreants are subject to a zero-tolerance policy.”

He also said that the law and order situation in Punjab is improving, and that the government would safeguard the safety of people’s lives and property.

“The entire force is on alert to thwart the nefarious intentions of criminals,” he added, referring to the province administration’s determination to silence violent groups.

The government has extended Section 144.
The Punjab government has extended Section 144 throughout the province by four days in order to preserve the peace and safety of its inhabitants, according to a notice released late Friday night.

“All kinds of assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, processions, and protests are prohibited in the jurisdiction of Punjab province,” the Punjab home department’s announcement said.

The provincial government had already enforced Section 144 on May 9 in response to the rioting in Islamabad after the arrest of the PTI leader.