Punjab govt forms JIT to probe Jinnah House arson

LAHORE: Punjab Home Department on Saturday constituted a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe vandalism and arson at Corp Commander House (Jinnah House) in Lahore on May 9, ARY News reported.

According to a notification issued by the department, SSP Investigation Iqbal Town Aqeela Niaz Naqvi has been appointed as the convener of the JIT.

The JIT includes four other officers of the provincial police force, the notification stated.

Several PTI leaders and workers are reportedly involved in the attack on Jinnah House after they entered the vicinity to protest against the arrest of their party Chairman Imran Khan on May 9.

On Friday, Police arrested Rizwan Zia, son of Major (retired) Ziaul Hassan, who remained IGP Punjab and Sindh, in the Jinnah House attack case.

The arrest was made after geo fencing record of the Jinnah House attack case. Rizwan Zia, who is also the son-in-law of a former Pakistan Army officer, was rounded up for his involvement in the vandalism, and the ransacking of Jinnah House. Further investigation is underway from Rizwan Zia.

Yesterday, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that 33 suspects had been handed over to the military following attacks on army installations during violent protests that broke out in the country on May 9.

Addressing a press conference, Sanaullah clarified that those who rampaged sensitive installations and prohibited areas on May 9 and May 10 will be tried under official secret act and Army Act 1952.

He, however, assured that the investigations will be carried out in a fair and transparent manner.