In the aftermath of the violent May 9, 2023 protests in Pakistan, a new controversy has emerged surrounding the Jinnah House in Lahore – the official residence of the Lahore Corps Commander. Allegations have surfaced that the building targeted by rioters during the unrest was not even present a year prior to the incident, raising questions about the legitimacy of the military’s claims.

According to sources, two Google Maps images from before and after the May 9 events appear to show the absence of the Jinnah House in the earlier timeframe. This has fueled speculation that the building may have been constructed hastily, or that the military’s narrative about the attack on a longstanding landmark is inaccurate.

Before the May 9 riots

After the May 9 riots

“If the Jinnah House was not there a year before the incident, then how can the military claim it was their official residence that was targeted?” questioned a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “This raises serious doubts about the entire sequence of events and the government’s version of what happened.”The military has vehemently denied these allegations, insisting that the Jinnah House has been the official residence of the Lahore Corps Commander for decades. They have accused the opposition of peddling “conspiracy theories” to undermine the institution’s credibility.

“The Jinnah House is a historic building that has served as the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence for many years,” said a senior military official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Any claims that it did not exist prior to the May 9 incident are completely baseless and an attempt to distort the facts.”However, independent verification of the building’s history has been challenging, with limited public records available. The government has also imposed strict restrictions on media coverage of the May 9 events, making it difficult for journalists to investigate the matter thoroughly.

As the debate rages on, the fate of the Jinnah House remains uncertain. The building, once a symbol of the military’s presence in Lahore, now stands as a reminder of the deep divisions and mistrust that have emerged in the aftermath of the May 9 riots.