Peshawar: The Anti-Terrorism Court in Peshawar acquitted all 18 accused, including workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in connection with the May 9 riots. The court cited a lack of evidence as the reason for the acquittal, according to news.
Prosecutors charged the defendants with protesting in Landi Kotal on May 9, 2023. They accused them of blocking the Torkham Road, damaging public property, and attacking an Anti-Narcotics Force vehicle. However, the court found no solid evidence to link the accused to these actions.
Judge Muhammad Iqbal of the Special Anti-Terrorism Court delivered the verdict, stating that the prosecution failed to prove the charges. This decision brought relief to the accused, many of whom had faced months of investigation.
KP Government Requests Judicial Commission
Earlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government requested the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to form a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots. In a formal letter to PHC Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, the provincial government asked for the appointment of a judge to lead the commission.
The government emphasized the need to probe the events of May 9 and identify those responsible for the violence. The letter suggested that the commission should consist of a sitting or retired judge of the PHC to ensure impartiality.
This commission aims to bring the real culprits to justice and present its findings to the nation. The government’s request reflects its commitment to uncovering the truth behind the violence.
Clashes Erupt After Imran Khan’s Arrest
On May 9, 2023, violent clashes erupted across Pakistan after authorities arrested former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Protests broke out in major cities and remote areas as PTI supporters reacted to their leader’s detention. The unrest spread across Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad, prompting the armed forces to restore order.
PTI workers targeted army installations during the protests. Notably, they attacked the Corps Commander’s house in Lahore. This incident became a focal point in the investigation, leading to widespread arrests and legal actions.
Imran Khan Named Main Accused
It is important to note that PTI founder Imran Khan has been named as the primary accused in several cases related to the May 9 riots. His arrest sparked a nationwide outcry, which led to violent protests and damage to public and private property.
The court’s acquittal of the 18 individuals may raise questions about ongoing investigations. However, the judicial commission, once formed, is expected to provide a more comprehensive view of the events and the parties involved.
As the situation develops, observers will closely watch the findings of the judicial commission and how authorities handle the broader investigation into the May 9 riots. The acquittal marks just one chapter in a much larger and complex case that continues to unfold in Pakistan’s legal and political landscape..
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