LAHORE: Punjab Caretaker Information Minister Amir Mir said that the provincial government is deliberating with PTI Chairman Imran Khan to come at an understanding so that the law enforcers could carry out search operation inside the Zaman Park residence of the former premier to apprehend the alleged miscreants said to be involved in violent turn of events that occurred of May 9.
“We [the interim government] have decided that instead of a head-on collision, we will send a delegation to Khan sahab under the supervision of the Lahore commissioner,” the caretaker minister was quoted as saying by local media.
The provincial government had earlier notified that a police party of 400 strong will carry out search operation at the PTI chairman’s residence, however, Imran Khan has requested that only four police personnel should be allowed to come inside his home.
Mir also said Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted a meeting, in which it was decided that the delegation would take an appointment from Khan’s team and meet him after Friday prayers.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the provincial interim government gave a 24-hour deadline to PTI to hand over suspected miscreants, who allegedly attacked military installations following the arrest of Imran Khan. Mir said that the agencies were able to confirm the presence of the “terrorists” in Zaman Park through geo-fencing.
Empty tents, workers missing
The situation outside the residence of PTI chairman has changed drastically following the turn of events that happened after May 9. The place which was once bustling with party workers from all parts of the country now gives a deserted look, with empty tents and stalls.
On Thursday, PTI called members of the local press to visit the Zaman Park residence and gave them a tour. Media persons present during this tour later posted pictures of empty lawns and tents which were filled with party workers not long ago.
Moreover, all the roads leading to the residence of PTI chairman have been blocked for all kinds of traffic.
Imran vows to stand his ground
Later on Thursday, Imran Khan also addressed the media in the evening, a speech in which he struck a defiant tone, claiming that he would stand his ground even if all abandoned him.
He said the media’s presence at Zaman Park had foiled the government’s plan to once again vandalize his house in the name of a raid and plant things here as they had done during the previous raid.
‘Terrorists’ arrested
In a statement on Friday, Lahore police claimed to have arrested six more ‘terrorists’ attempting to flee Zaman Park last night. Four of the apprehended suspects were involved in vandalising Askari Tower, while the remaining two were linked to the attack on Corps Commander House in Lahore, police said.
On Thursday night, Punjab interim Information Minister Amir Mir had said that police had arrested eight ‘terrorists’ allegedly holed up inside PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s residence.
