Wednesday May 24, 2023
LAHORE: The prime suspect in the attack on Jinnah House Khadija Shah Wednesday complained of breathing difficulties when she was produced before an anti-terrorism court.
The famous fashion designer was brought to court today following her arrest in connection with the May 9 vandalism.
Shah is the daughter of former Punjab finance minister Salman Shah and the granddaughter of a former army chief. She has been on the run since police raided her home and was arrested last night.
While waiting in a police van before her appearance in an anti-terrorism court today, Shah complained to an officer that she was having trouble breathing because it was so hot.
"I have asthma," she informed the officer.
However, the official told Shah that the investigating officer was busy in the high court and once the IO reached the premises, she would be produced in the anti-terrorism court.
In the meantime, the car could be moved to a place in the shade, he added.
Shah was produced before an ATC magistrate after being made to wait in a police van for over an hour.
The fashion designer was brought to court with her face covered with a black cloth.
When the police brought Shah to court, she asked the judge to send her to jail for an identification show.
She was also allowed to meet her husband in the courtroom.
After approving the police's request, the court issued directions to produce her again on May 30.
The Lahore Corps Command House or Jinnah House was attacked on May 9 when the PTI stormed and burnt it down following the arrest of party chairman Imran Khan in the £190 million settlement case.
In a more than 16-minute long audio message released on Sunday, Shah admitted that she was a PTI supporter and was part of the protest outside the Corps Commander's house in Lahore, but denied any wrongdoing, including inciting people to violence.
Her arrest comes after a report revealed how efforts to help the famous fashion designer failed miserably. When the police raided her residence, she fled and has been on the run ever since.
Interim Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced last week that the women involved in the May 9 attacks on military installations would be arrested at all costs.
The army and the federal government also promised that all miscreants involved in attacks on military installations would be prosecuted under Pakistan's Army Act and Official Secrets Act.
After the attacks, thousands of PTI workers were rounded up across the country and several leaders also defected from the party due to the May 9 mayhem.
