Again calling former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan ‘fitna’ (mischief), Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Friday that foreign elements were also involved in May 9 violence, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said it was wrong to say that all suspects would be tried in military courts. “Out of total 499 cases of vandalism and arson registered, suspects nominated in only six cases will be tried in military courts,” he clarified. 

He elaborated that 88 cases were registered under the anti-terrorism clauses, while 411 under other sections. “So far 3, 944 people have been taken into custody in the country in connection with acts of violence on May 9,” he said, adding, “As many as 2, 588 people have been arrested in Punjab and 1, 100 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).” 

Rana Sana said that the incidents of violence witnessed on that day were pre-planned. “PTI miscreants wanted to lay siege to Islamabad,” he claimed. 

He was of the view that Imran’s claims that he could be murdered were all ‘lies’. “PTI chairman used different tactics to spread anarchy in the country,” Rana Sana added. 

He accused the PTI leadership of teaching the party workers how to produce and use petrol bombs. “It is Imran who is responsible for the downfall of his party,” he said, adding, “Luckily the nation recognized this ‘mischief’ before it got late.”