By Former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday refused to undergo polygraph, photogrammetry, and voice matching tests, despite efforts by a Lahore police team to interrogate him about several cases related to the May 9 riots.
A 12-member team, led by DSP Javed Asif and including officials from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), arrived at Adiala Jail, where Mr. Khan has been imprisoned for nearly a year. The team, which included investigation officers (IOs) of the cases and PFSA experts Abid Ayub and Inspector Waqas Khalid, attempted to question the former premier and conduct the necessary tests.
Initially, Mr. Khan refused to answer the police’s questions, expressing distrust in the authorities and insisting on the presence of his lawyers. “I am under investigation by many agencies and will not take any tests for now. I will give the police time later regarding different tests,” he said. However, after assurances from DSP Asif that justice would be ensured, Mr. Khan agreed to answer questions for about 15 minutes but still refused the requested tests.
This was the second visit by the Lahore police team. On Monday, a team led by DSP Javed and including Inspector Rana Akmal, Rana Arham, Alam Langrial, Rana Muneer, and Muhammad Ali arrived at Adiala Jail at 4 pm and waited for about 3.5 hours to investigate Mr. Khan. However, he refused to allow the team to question him.
An official familiar with the situation said the team informed Mr. Khan that he was a “nominated accused person” in 12 cases related to anti-terrorism, inciting the public against the state, and other charges stemming from the May 9 violent protests.
Mr. Khan was also told that he was on physical remand, which was allowed by the court, and that the investigation officers wanted to interrogate him in these cases.
The police officials also questioned him about various aspects of the May 9 riots, which targeted the Lahore corps commander’s residence, military installations, and public properties.
Following their visit, the police team and PFSA experts briefed Lahore DIG Investigation Zeeshan Asghar on Mr. Khan’s lack of cooperation. The matter will be discussed in a meeting of senior police officers to devise a strategy for a follow-up visit in consultation with the prosecution department.
