PM willing to hold judicial inquiry into bungled operation in Sahiwal

Opposition has dismissed JIT findings, called for PM's resignation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that his administration is amenable to the opposition demand for a judicial inquiry into the bungled operation by the counter-terrorism police in Sahiwal that claimed the lives of an innocent family.

“We are ready to form a judicial commission. The opposition should give its nominations for the panel,” he said while presiding over a meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s parliamentary party on Wednesday.

“We would take those responsible for the Sahiwal tragedy to justice and reveal all facts before the nation,” he added.

The opposition has dismissed the JIT findings and called for the prime minister to take responsibility for the innocent family’s killing and step aside.

Based on its preliminary findings, the JIT has blamed the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police for the February 19 bungled operation on GT Road in Sahiwal that claimed the lives of an innocent man, Khalil, his wife Nabeela, and daughter Areeba along with driver Zeeshan Javed, who was said to be linked with terrorists.

Subsequently, the Punjab government removed top CTD officials from their posts and ordered trial of five other CTD officials on terrorism and murder charges.

The Sahiwal tragedy came up for discussion during Wednesday’s meeting of PTI’s parliamentary party.

“I’m overseeing the inquiry myself,” Premier Imran said and added, “We would hold a transparent inquiry and bring those responsible [for the family’s killing] to justice.”

About the opposition’s demand, the prime minister said the government was willing to hold a judicial inquiry. “The opposition can give their nominations for a judicial commission, if it desires so,” he added.



According to sources, members of the PTI parliamentary party vent their frustration at the “unavailability” of the cabinet members. They also said that they were feeling left out on the government policies, according to sources.

In such a situation, they said, it would be difficult for them to face their electorate next time because their voters were already feeling disillusioned.

Premier Imran directed his cabinet members to assuage the grievances of the parliamentary party members. Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak told the prime minister that they have started daily ministerial briefings. He added that the ministers would try to address the concerns of the parliamentary party members.