LAHORE, Feb 7: The Punjab government is working out modalities of holding trial of US consulate employee Raymond Davis inside jail because of security concerns and keeping in view the sensitive nature of this double murder case, Dawn learnt on Monday. According to sources privy to the developments with regard to the case, the Punjab Home Department was thrashing out the matter and might issue a formal notification with regard to holding the Davis’ trial inside the jail within next couple of days after consulting the ‘quarters concerned’.

Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah had earlier denied the trial would be conducted in the jail. “The government has no plans yet to hold the trial of Davis inside jail,” the minister had said in response to a Dawn query on Sunday (Feb 6).

Punjab Home Secretary Shahid Khan chose to remain tight-lipped on the issue and said: “I am not authorised to speak on this issue and you better talk to the government spokesman.”

Punjab government spokesman Pervaiz Rashid expressed his ignorance about the matter while the law minister couldn’t be tracked for his comment as he was “in a meeting”, according to the person who attended his phone.

The trial of Raymond Davis is expected to begin by the first week of next month after completion of his physical remand period and submission of challan to the court.

APP ADDS: Law minister Rana Sanaullah along with a team of top officials on Monday paid a surprise visit to Kot Lakhpat jail.

The minister and other officials reviewed the jail security to ensure safety of Raymond Davis in view of his likely confinement there.