FIA confirms authenticity of May 9 riot footage

JIT awaits PEMRA report on TV channel videos

LAHORE:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Monday confirmed that the videos of the arson attacks and vandalism that occurred on May 9 were indeed based on fact.

The FIA's report, which contains social media and digital evidence, has been received by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the riots that rocked the country.

Sources within the JIT revealed that more than 400 social media links and footage related to the incidents were sent to the FIA. However, the JIT officials stated they were awaiting the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) report regarding the footage shown on various television channels.

The PEMRA report is expected to be received soon. Once it is received, the challans will be submitted to the court, the JIT officials said.

It is pertinent to note that last week the Punjab police had charged PTI chief Imran Khan and other nominated accused individuals with 'criminal conspiracy' in all the cases registered in the province related to the May 9 incidents.

Read also: PTI condemns fresh charges in May 9 cases

These incidents included arson attacks on the residence of the Lahore corps commander.

Officials have revealed that a total of 50 cases have been registered under anti-terrorism and other laws

Lahore Senior Superintendent of Police (Investigation), Dr Anoosh Masood Chaudhry, had stated that the prosecution and police have been waiting for the final reports from the FIA and PEMRA regarding the videos and other evidence related to the planners and attackers of the May 9 incidents.

In addition, she mentioned that all objections raised by the prosecution have been addressed in the challans of the cases, which will be submitted to the courts of law after receiving the reports from the FIA and PEMRA.