If need arises, can consider forming judicial commission on Sahiwal killings: PM Imran

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan addressing the parliamentary committee of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allies on Wednesday said if the need arises, the formation of a judicial commission on the Sahiwal killings could be considered. 

According to sources, Prime Minister Khan said he was in constant contact with concerned authorities during his trip to Qatar over the killings in Sahiwal.

Stating that the incident was being probed by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), Prime Minister Khan assured that the findings would be shared with the nation.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan received a summary of the JIT’s initial report of the Sahiwal killings.

Geo News obtained a copy of the 13-point summary which states that the Punjab government should ensure that the complete inquiry report is presented within 30 days.

The summary mentions that five officials of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) have been arrested over allegations of opening fire on the Khalil family. According to the summary, further investigation is under way against the driver of the vehicle – Zeeshan.

The summary also mentions the 20 million rupees aid package announced for the bereaved family and said that the children of deceased Khalil will receive free education and health facilities.

On January 19, four people — including three members of a family — were killed in an alleged encounter in Sahiwal. Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel said they had killed a local commander of militant organisation Daesh and three others in the operation. Eyewitnesses, however, disputed the claim and said the people in the car did not fire at officials, nor were any explosives recovered from the vehicle.

The dead included a man, his wife and their teenage daughter.

The report, which was submitted to Punjab chief minister on Tuesday, stated that three officials of the CTD including the head have been transferred while two officers have been suspended. Those involved in the killings would be tried by an anti-terrorism court, the report stated.

It also mentioned negligence on part of the CTD officials and said there was no link between the Khalil family killed in the incident and terrorism.