The CCPO in Lahore alleges that Khadija Shah incited people to riot on May 9

In a surprising turn, the Lahore City Police Chief (CCPO) has made a bold claim that renowned activist Khadija Shah played a central role in inciting people to riot on May 9. The allegations against Shah sent shockwaves through Pakistani civil society, raising questions about the veracity of the claims and the wider implications for freedom of expression and assembly in the country.

 Charge 

On May 1, 2023, Lahore experienced widespread civil unrest that resulted in damage to property and injuries to several persons, including police officers. The CCPO alleges that Khadija Shah, a prominent social justice and human rights advocate, was not only present at the crime scene, but also actively encouraged the crowd to engage in acts of violence and civil disobedience. 

CCPO evidence

 The CCPO has yet to provide concrete evidence to support these claims, raising doubts about the credibility of the allegations. He said at a press conference that "multiple credible sources" identified Khadija Shah as a key figure in the events of May 9. However, no photos, videos or testimonies have been released to support these claims.

 Answer by Khadija Shah

 In response to these serious allegations, Khadija Shah vehemently denies any involvement in the May 9 riots. She claims she participated in the protest as a peaceful advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, emphasizing her commitment to non-violence. Shah has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and is willing to cooperate with the authorities. 

Reaction of civil society 

The allegations against Khadija Shah have sparked strong reactions from civil society, both nationally and internationally. Numerous human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have expressed concern about the implications of these allegations for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Pakistan. They are calling for a transparent and impartial investigation to find out the truth in the matter. 

Freedom of expression and assembly 

The allegations against Khadija Shah underscore the ongoing debate about the state of freedom of expression and assembly in Pakistan. These fundamental rights are enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan and are fundamental to any functioning democracy. It is imperative that any investigation into this matter adheres to the principles of due process and respects the rights of all parties involved.

 Lahore CCPO's charges against Khadija Shah for inciting the May 9 riots are serious and have far-reaching implications. It is imperative that there be a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation to establish the truth of these allegations. The case also raises wider concerns about the state of freedom of expression and assembly in Pakistan and highlights the need to protect these fundamental rights as they form the basis of any democratic society. It remains to be seen how this situation will develop and what impact it will have on the ongoing struggle for human rights and social justice in Pakistan.