- CM Naqvi denies allegations that PTI females were mistreated in prison
LAHORE: Punjab’s interim Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, clarified on Sunday that no decision has been made by the government regarding the house arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Imran Khan. Naqvi’s statement came amidst speculations that Khan’s Zaman Park residence in Lahore might be declared a sub-jail to confine him. However, the Chief Minister dismissed these reports during a press conference in Lahore.
The PTI, Khan’s political party, has faced the wrath of the state after its enraged workers attacked military installations, including the Lahore Corps Commanders House and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. These violent incidents occurred following Khan’s arrest in a corruption case on May 9, a day that the army referred to as the “Black Day.”
Notably, thousands of workers, including women, have been apprehended in connection with the May 9 violence. The PTI alleges mistreatment of their female supporters in prisons. Khan, in his address, appealed to the judiciary to intervene and address the alleged mistreatment of his female workers, urging the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice on the matter.
However, Chief Minister Naqvi refuted these claims, asserting that the treatment of women had adhered to the law. He accused the PTI of propagating misinformation about mistreatment of women in prisons. Naqvi disclosed that 32 women were initially arrested, but only 11 remain in jail. He emphasized that his government is committed to ensuring the safety of mothers and sisters in society.
Naqvi acknowledged that the events of May 9 were unprecedented and emphasized that his government would not show any restraint in dealing with the perpetrators of the Jinnah House attack, regardless of their influence or status. Responding to a question, the Chief Minister confirmed that PTI supporter Khadija Shah is in police custody, and an identity parade will be conducted.
The question arose after a video of Shah went viral on social media. In the video, Shah was seen apologizing for her actions on May 9, indicating a possible change in her stance.
As the situation unfolds, the Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister seeks to dispel rumors of Khan’s imminent house arrest. He assures the public that the government is committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of all citizens, particularly women. With tensions high and the aftermath of the May 9 violence still reverberating, the focus remains on maintaining stability and addressing the concerns raised by PTI and its supporters regarding the treatment of women in custody.
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