Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan to Undergo Polygraph Test in May 9 Riot Cases
In a significant development, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has granted permission to the police to conduct polygraph (lie detection) and photogrammetric (facial and voice analysis) tests of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 12 cases related to the riots that took place on May 9, 2023. The tests are expected to be carried out in the coming days, which may shed light on Khan’s alleged involvement in the violent incidents.
The decision was made by Additional Sessions Judge Raja Asif Mehmood, who allowed the police to conduct the tests after Khan’s counsel, Amir Mansoor, failed to raise any objections. The tests are part of the investigation into the violent incidents that broke out on May 9, 2023, after Khan was arrested by paramilitary troops in Punjab Province. Khan is currently lodged in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, where he has been detained since his arrest.
The May 9 riots saw widespread violence and destruction of property, with reports of arson, stone-pelting, and clashes between rival groups. The incident occurred after Khan’s supporters clashed with the police and paramilitary troops while attempting to escort him to a court hearing in Lahore. The violence resulted in the injury of several people, including police officers and civilians.
The police had sought permission to conduct the polygraph and photogrammetric tests on Khan as part of their investigation into the violent incidents. The tests are expected to help the authorities determine whether Khan was involved in the riots and whether he had any prior knowledge of the disturbances.
Khan, who was ousted from power in April 2023, has been facing multiple cases related to the violent incidents that took place during his tenure as Prime Minister. He has been accused of inciting violence and promoting hatred against the government and its institutions.
The polygraph test is a lie detection technique that measures physiological responses, such as heart rate and blood pressure, to determine whether a person is telling the truth or lying. The photogrammetric test, on the other hand, involves analyzing a person’s facial and voice features to determine whether they are the same as those of the person in question.
The decision to conduct the tests on Khan has sparked controversy, with his supporters claiming that the move is designed to intimidate and harass the former Prime Minister. Khan’s counsel, Amir Mansoor, has also expressed concerns about the conduct of the tests, claiming that they are unnecessary and may be used to extract false confessions.
The police, however, have defended the decision to conduct the tests, saying that they are necessary to ensure a thorough investigation into the violent incidents. The authorities have also claimed that Khan has been given the opportunity to provide an explanation for his actions on the day of the riots, but he has failed to do so.
The May 9 riots have been a major embarrassment for the government, which has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. The incident has also raised questions about the level of violence and political polarization in Pakistan, which has been on the rise in recent years.
The development is a significant setback for Khan, who has been seeking to clear his name and restore his reputation. His supporters have been protesting against his detention and demanding his release, but the authorities have refused to budge.
The polygraph and photogrammetric tests are expected to be carried out in the coming days, which may shed light on Khan’s alleged involvement in the violent incidents. The results of the tests may also impact the course of the investigation and the outcome of the cases against Khan.
In conclusion, the decision to conduct polygraph and photogrammetric tests on former Prime Minister Imran Khan is a significant development in the investigation into the May 9 riots. The tests may help the authorities determine whether Khan was involved in the violent incidents and whether he had any prior knowledge of the disturbances. The outcome of the tests may also impact the course of the investigation and the outcome of the cases against Khan.
