The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Peshawar has acquitted Provincial Minister Meena Khan Afridi, three members of the Provincial Assembly, and 27 others due to insufficient evidence in the May 9 case.
The prosecution stated that on May 9, 2023, protesters in the jurisdiction of Khan Raziq Shaheed Police Station held a demonstration against the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. During the protest, demonstrators damaged the VIP gate of Qila Bala Hissar, the Frontier Women College gate, and ATMs of private banks.
The protest also resulted in the tragic death of one civilian and injuries to several others.Following the unrest, the Khan Raziq Shaheed Police filed an FIR naming prominent political figures, including Minister Meena Khan Afridi, lawmakers Arbab Sher Ali, Fazal Elahi, and Muhammad Asif, as well as former ministers Kamran Bangash and Taimur Saleem Jhagra, former Peshawar mayor Arbab Asim, and local PTI leader Irfan Saleem. After completing their investigation, the police presented a challan to the Anti-Terrorism Court, leading the ATC to begin the trial.During the proceedings, the Anti-Terrorism Court thoroughly examined statements from all witnesses and defendants.
However, the court found insufficient evidence to substantiate the charges, resulting in the acquittal of all involved. The ATC’s decision followed a detailed review of the case, which failed to confirm any of the accused’s direct involvement in the alleged illegal activities during the protests.
In related cases from the May 9 protests, the Anti-Terrorism Court also acquitted Kamran Bangash, Taimur Saleem Jhagra, PTI district president Irfan Saleem, and legislators Arbab Sher Ali, Meena Khan Afridi, Younas Zaheer, and Fazal Elahi, citing a lack of evidence.
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