Punjab govt, IG refute allegations of torture on PTI worker.

The Punjab government on Saturday rubbished the claims that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker Ali Bilal died in custodial torture after he was arrested during clashes between police and workers of the political party in Lahore this past week.

Ali Bilal, affectionately called Zillay Shah, was taken to the Services Hospital in Lahore on Tuesday evening, where he was pronounced dead. PTI Chairman Imran Khan and other party leaders later claimed that he was killed by police.

To address the allegations, caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, IGP Usman Anwar, Lahore CCPO Bilal Saddique Kamyana and other officials held a joint press conference.

The Punjab chief minister said he had not issued any order for torture of people. Speaking about the death of the PTI worker, he said Ali Bilal did not die due to torture but he was hit by a vehicle. Saying the death of a human being was not a petty issue, he vowed action against those involved in the incident.

CM Naqvi said Raja Shakeel had informed Yasmin Rashid that a man was hit by his vehicle. Later, both went to Zaman Park where Ms Rashid asked him there was no need to worry, the chief minister said.

'I have been accused of murder and an application is also being submitted,' he lamented, adding that the PTI was misleading people on this matter. 'I was first accused of conspiracy and now allegations of murder are being levelled,' Mr Naqvi said. 'We also have families, kids and relatives,' he said, adding it's injustice the way messages were being sent to my relatives.

He said attempts were being made to create unrest in the province ahead of elections scheduled for April 30. He said the PTI could hold its rally on some...