The Lahore police on Wednesday filed an application in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) seeking permission to conduct polygraphic (lie detector) and photographic tests on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in connection with the May 9 violence cases.
The prosecution submitted the request, asserting that the tests are necessary to aid ongoing investigations into the events that unfolded after the former prime minister’s arrest in 2023.
The plea states that Khan’s cooperation is essential to ascertain the truth and identify the perpetrators involved in the attacks on sensitive state installations.
Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for the PTI founder, appeared before the court and strongly opposed the prosecution’s plea. He termed the move as “malicious” and an “afterthought”, arguing that bringing such an application two years after the incident lacks legal merit and reflects political victimisation.
“The intention behind this request is not to assist justice but to harass the PTI founder,” Barrister Safdar contended, urging the court to dismiss the prosecution’s application.
The May 9 cases pertain to violent protests and attacks on military and public properties following Khan’s arrest by paramilitary forces from the Islamabad High Court premises. The PTI leadership has consistently maintained that the events were spontaneous and politically exploited to suppress the party.
