Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ex-Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and former provincial ministers Kamran Bangash and Taimur Jhagra are among five suspects named in the May 9 Radio Pakistan attack case, as police submitted the investigation challan to the District Public Prosecutor.
According to the case proceedings, the investigation officer appeared before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Peshawar. However, the hearing could not take place because the presiding judge was on leave.
The investigation officer subsequently submitted the challan to the District Public Prosecutor, naming Sohail Afridi, Kamran Bangash, Taimur Jhagra and two other suspects in the case.
According to the case details, the court had sought identity verification of the suspects from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Punjab Forensic Science Agency on an application filed by Radio Pakistan.
Both reports reportedly confirmed the presence of the named suspects at the Radio Pakistan building during the May 9 attack, according to the case proceedings.
The case relates to the attack on the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar during the protests that followed the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on May 9, 2023.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for October 28.
Earlier, a protest in Bara, Khyber District, turned tense after protesters opened fire on police, prompting a response from law enforcement and the arrest of those involved in the incident.
The incident involving gunfire at police in Bara, Khyber District, has raised fresh questions about the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is facing criticism over allegations of attempts to create unrest and disrupt peace, while the individuals who opened fire reportedly fled the scene following a police response.
The firing incident in Bara has raised concerns about attacks on law enforcement agencies and the potential deterioration of the security situation. The suspects escaped from the scene after police returned fire.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is already facing significant challenges related to terrorism and security. Incidents such as firing at police personnel could further complicate the situation. Attacks on law enforcement agencies are unacceptable, and those involved must be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Critics of PTI’s political activities and the conduct of its workers argue that political differences should not become a source of violence or unrest. However, official confirmation is needed regarding the alleged affiliation of those who opened fire in Bara with PTI, as well as the motives behind the incident.
Maintaining law and order requires a transparent investigation into the incident, the identification of those responsible, and legal action without discrimination on the basis of political affiliation.
