GUJRANWALA, Nov 12: The prisoners as well as the judges who died during an operation in Sialkot jail were killed as a result of police firing. This was submitted by an eye-witness to the incident, Civil Judge Rai Nadeem Ahmad Kharl, in anti-terrorism court no 1 here on Saturday.

The judge, in his statement, also said Gujrat DPO Raja Munawer Hussain was the first officer who started firing and threw crackers when a senior police officer ordered an operation against the prisoners who held the judges hostage.

Mr Kharl stated the DPO climbed on the roof of women inmates’ barrack in the jail, carrying a Kalashnikove, and fired on the hostage-takers along with Elite Force personnel. The DPO was also giving the direction to police officials in connection with the firing, he said.

The judge stated illicit arms were handed over to the captives by their heirs with the help of jail officials who, he said, were fully involved in the incident.

He said the situation was in control following a dialogue between the district and sessions judge and the rioting prisoners, but it worsened when the operation was ordered.

The court also recorded the statements of other witnesses while the counsel for the accused quizzed them.

Judge Mujahid Mustaqim adjourned the case till the next hearing on Nov 14 (Monday).

All accused in the case, including Sialkot jail former superintendent, his deputies and Elite Force officials were present.

MINISTER: Punjab Population Minister Nasim Lodhi has directed the field staff to promote population welfare programme in accordance with the policy of the provincial government.