May 9 riots: ‘8 terrorists’ escaping Zaman Park arrested

In a significant breakthrough, the Lahore Police on Thursday successfully captured eight alleged terrorists who were attempting to flee from the residence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in Zaman Park, Lahore.

Caretaker Punjab Information Minister Aamir Mir revealed in a statement that all the captured individuals were involved in the attack on the Corps Commander House in Lahore on May 9.

The apprehension of these terrorists came as a result of a swift and coordinated operation carried out by law enforcement agencies, which had been on high alert following the violent protests that erupted in the aftermath of Imran Khan's arrest. The authorities had already identified the suspects and were actively pursuing them.

The terrorists, whose identities have not been disclosed, had been on the run since their brazen attack on the Corps Commander House. The assault occurred during the height of the protests, which saw widespread chaos and mayhem across the country.

The attack on the military establishment sent shockwaves throughout the country and prompted a massive manhunt for those responsible.

Read more: Imran fears arrest, says tweet ‘may be his last’

Punjab Information Minister Aamir Mir expressed his satisfaction with the successful operation conducted by the Lahore Police. He commended the law enforcement agencies for their unwavering dedication and swift response in apprehending the fleeing terrorists.

Mir emphasised that such acts of terrorism and violence would not be tolerated and that the government remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.

The caretaker Punjab information minister had earlier said that the provincial police force was ordered not to open fire on protesters on May 9, adding that former prime minister Imran Khan's allegations are baseless and fabricated.

The former premier, in a statement, had alleged that the police had killed 25 citizens and injured 600 others on May 9 — the day Imran was arrested by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.

"Imran Khan's allegations are baseless and pure falsehoods. Accusing the police of causing the deaths of 25 civilians and injuring hundreds through firing is not a white lie but a black one. The orders given to Punjab Police on May 9 were to refrain from firing on the protesters," Mir tweeted.

He stated that the question of anyone being injured or killed due to police firing does not even arise. "Imran should refrain from baseless and false allegations. Legal action can be taken against him for making false accusations," he further said.

In a tweet earlier in the day, the former prime minister had demanded inquiry after he alleged that at least 25 protesters were killed while hundreds were injured due to police firing.

"In France, despite protesters hurling petrol bombs at the police, not once were they fired upon by the police," he claimed. "Under the smokescreen of arson, which any independent investigation will show was pre-planned to justify the crackdown on PTI, there is no mention in the media discourse of the massive violations of our fundamental right to protest peacefully and no mention of an inquiry into the killing of at least 25 peaceful protesters and wounding of around 600."

Also read: Imran set a bad example: Asif

In another tweet, the PTI chief said that the nation has been taken over by a "bunch of crooks, criminals, and duffers devoid of any ethics or morality”.

"While the country sinks into its worst economic crisis especially unprecedented inflation and unemployment, all those in power are concentrating on how to crush the biggest and the only federal party by unleashing a reign of terror," he added.

Time for all citizens to raise their voices before it’s too late, he further wrote.