Pakistan: Deadline given to Imran Khan to hand over alleged 'terrorists'

The interim government in Punjab province Pakistan has issued a 24hour ultimatum to Imran Khan the chief of the Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI party to surrender all 3040 terrorists reportedly taking refuge at his residence as per a media reportDuring a press conference in Lahore Caretaker Information Minister Aamir Mir stated PTI must deliver these terrorists or the law will take its course as reported by Geo NewsMir referred to the individuals involved in the May 9 protests as terrorists and mentioned that the government possessed credible intelligence reports regarding their presence at Khans Zaman Park residenceThe intelligence report that we have received is very concerning Mir quoted further adding that through geofencing technology the agencies were able to verify the presence of the alleged terrorists at Zaman ParkGeofencing is a satellitebased technology used for recording or restricting the movements of individuals or vehiclesRecalling the recent violent protests in the country following Imran Khans arrest Mir alleged The PTI leadership had planned the attack before the arrest of Imran KhanThe detention of 70yearold Khan on May 9 by the paramilitary Pakistan Rangers at the Islamabad High Court premises sparked unrest across PakistanFor the first time in Pakistans history protesters breached the army headquarters GHQ in Rawalpindi and set fire to the Corps Commanders house in LahoreThe police reported a death toll of 10 in the violent clashes while Khans party claims that 40 of its workers lost their lives due to firing by security personnelMir also accused the PTI chief of targeting the military for over a year following a premeditated planAlso readPaks top security body backs Armys decision to try arsonists under Army ActThe interim information minister stated that the government has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards violence Interim Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly granted free rein to the Punjab Police to address the actions of arsonists as per the reportSeveral arsonists were in contact with individuals inside Zaman Park during the attack on the Corps Commander House They will be dealt with as an example so that no one dares to carry out such acts in the future Mir saidThe individuals arrested thus far are under thorough scrutiny Cases will be filed after 100 percent confirmation of their involvement he addedMir further announced that the government has decided that the attackers on military installations will face trial in military courts An official statement from the Prime Ministers Office confirmed that Pakistans National Security Committee endorsed the decision made at the corps commanders meeting to try the attackers under the Army Act and Official Secrets ActHowever the proposal to try arsonists under the stringent Army Act has faced criticism from rights groups including Amnesty International and the National Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressing their concernsThe army had previously issued a statement declaring that it would no longer exercise restraint against those who attacked its buildings the report concluded