In a recent legal development, a Lahore anti-terrorism court has given the green light for a polygraph and photogrammetric analysis to be conducted on former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. These investigative procedures are tied to a dozen cases stemming from the May 9 unrest, which included attacks on significant military and public properties like the Jinnah House and Askari Tower.
The approval was granted by Judge Manzar Ali Gill, who set a 12-day window for completion of the tests. During this time, investigators have been allowed to meet Khan—currently detained in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail—to proceed with the necessary examinations.
Khan’s legal counsel, led by Barrister Salman Safdar, voiced strong objections, pointing out that the events in question occurred nearly two years ago. The defense argued that the move to conduct polygraph tests at this stage appears unnecessary, especially since Khan had already secured bail in most of the related cases. Moreover, they referenced a Lahore High Court ruling which found the basis of these requests to be within legal limits.
On the prosecution’s side, Special Prosecutor Rana Aazar insisted that the Supreme Court permits such investigative techniques when essential to an inquiry. He also reminded the court that Khan had earlier refused to undergo a voice-matching procedure unless his lawyer was present, hence making this step critical.
The cases pertaining to May 9 have also been rescheduled by the Lahore High Court to be heard at Kot Lakhpat Jail four days a week. This ruling is consistent with the Supreme Court’s directive to wrap up these proceedings in four months.
