The family of Arsalan Naseem – accused of rioting on May 9 – has rubbished the rumours aired by the PTI about his father’s death due to police torture.

His family disowned the PTI stories and rejected its allegations, saying Arsalan’s father was a heart patient and had a cardiac arrest that proved fatal. Police have nothing to do with the death, they said.

Arsalan's relatives say that they have nothing to do with the false narrative spread by the PTI regarding the death of Arsalan's father.

His brother-in-law said that fabricated stories have been spread on social media. “We have full confidence in the investigation team formed by the IGP and will fully cooperate with the inquiry team.

Arslan Naseem was arrested by the Gulberg police station in case number 1271/23 and sent on judicial remand. The accused was released on bail from the Anti-Terrorism Court on  August 9. As he was wanted by the Racecourse police too, he was summoned twice but to no avail. A team went to arrest him but could not find him.

As soon as the police left, the mother of Arsalan stated her husband had a heart attack and he passed away. He was laid to rest in the presence of relatives and local residents and no one complained if police pressure or torture was the reason for his death.

Two days after the demise of Arsalan’s father, the PTI campaigners sprang into action to play the victim card and starts smearing and propaganda.

Moreover, the accused is stated to be just 13-year-old but his recently surfaced picture showed he is above 18.

Police too have explained their position.  DIG Operations Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi told the media that the PTI post alleging the lawmen tortured to death the father of Arsalan is propaganda.