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Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan refuses polygraph and other forensic tests amid May 9 riot investigations

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan refuses polygraph and other forensic tests amid May 9 riot investigations

Imran Khan

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday (Jul23) refused to undergo polygraph, photogrammetry, and voice matching tests, despite efforts by a Lahore police team to interrogate him regarding a dozen cases linked 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 Khan has been imprisoned for nearly a year, to question the former Pak PMand conduct the necessary forensic tests.

Imran Khan's distrust of authorities

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As per Pakistani newspaperDawn reports, Khan initially refused to answer police questions, citing distrust in the authorities and demandedthe 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 stated.

However, after assurances from DSP Asif that justice would be ensured, Khan agreed to answer questions for about 15 minutes, but adamantly refused the requested forensic tests.

Continued non-cooperation

This was the second visit by the Lahore police team.Previously, on Monday (Jul22), a team led by DSP Javed arrived at Adiala jail at 4 pm and waited for about 3.5 hours to investigate Khan. However, Khan refused to allow the team to proceed with their investigation.

Citing an official privy to the development, Dawn stated that the investigative teaminformed Khan of his status as a nominated accused person in 12 cases related to anti-terrorism. He wasalso charged with inciting the public against the state, along with other chargesstemming from the violent protests on May9.

Khan was also reminded that he was on physical remand as allowed by the court, and the investigation officers required his cooperation for interrogation in the cases.

The police officials questioned Khan 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 Khan's lack of cooperation. The matter will now be discussed in a meeting of senior police officers who will devise a strategy for a follow-up visit in consultation with the prosecution department.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Moohita Kaur Garg

Moohita Kaur Garg is a journalist and Senior Sub-Editor at WION News with five years of experience covering the volatile intersections of geopolitics and global security. She has e...Read More