Similarities Found in Call Data for March 8 and May 9 Riots, Says IG Punjab.

LAHORE -- The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has revealed that the call data analysis from the riots on March 8 and May 9 shows striking similarities, leading to the successful identification and subsequent arrest of the culprits. On March 8, Ali Bilal, also known as Zillay Shah, allegedly died as a result of police violence and torture during a crackdown on PTI activists and supporters near party chief Imran Khan's residence in Zaman Town, Lahore, where they were staging a rally to kick off their election campaign.

The Punjab police chief had previously dismissed the PTI's claim that the provincial administration was responsible for the alleged murder of their activist, stating that his death was caused by a "road accident" and had been "unfortunately misinterpreted."

During a press conference in Lahore, the IGP Punjab, accompanied by other senior officers, disclosed that out of the total analyzed calls, 154 were found to be identical, with Yasmin Rashid being responsible for 41 calls. He also revealed that the identities of 170 individuals involved in the incidents were traced through WhatsApp groups.

Providing further details about the events on May 9, the IGP Punjab explained that the attacks were well-planned and executed simultaneously at specific targets, including Jinnah House, GHQ, and Radio Pakistan, among others.

"We have a record of every call made during these incidents, and we are presenting them as evidence in court," he added.

Dr. Anwar expressed concern over the desecration of martyrs' memorials on May 9 and condemned the dissemination of propaganda against media organizations on social media platforms.

Earlier in the day, the Punjab police announced their intention to challenge the verdict of an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, which ordered the release of PTI leader...