K-P govt scraps May 9 cases from caretaker era

Cabinet approves withdrawal of May 9 cases; special prosecutor appointed to conclude legal process

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to withdraw all cases registered in connection with the May 9 violent incidents that erupted following the arrest of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman. The decision, approved by the provincial cabinet, was officially notified by the Home Department on Saturday.

According to the notification, all cases pertaining to rioting, vandalism, and firing incidents during the May 9 protests will be withdrawn. The government has appointed Additional Advocate General Muhammad Inam Khan Yusufzai as the special prosecutor to represent the province in these cases.

Advocate General Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Shah Faisal Utmankhel, said the cases were politically motivated and lacked evidence, adding that they were registered by the caretaker setup which exceeded its authority.

"The caretaker government acted beyond its jurisdiction. These cases were based on weak investigations, insufficient proof, and political vendetta," he remarked.

He said Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had directed the Home Department to review all such cases, after which the cabinet approved their withdrawal through circulation. "We have formally informed the courts in writing about the provincial cabinet's decision and the appointment of the special prosecutor," Utmankhel added.

The special prosecutor, Muhammad Inam Khan Yusufzai, appeared before the Mardan court in case number 833 of Police Station Mardan City, one of the key May 9 cases filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). His appointment was made under Section 18 of the ATA. During the hearing, he submitted the government's written decision to withdraw prosecution. The court adjourned the hearing until October 15 for further arguments on the withdrawal plea.

The case includes several high-profile accused, including sitting and former members of the provincial assembly such as Zahir Shah Toru and Mujahid Khan, along with dozens of PTI workers. While many of the accused have already been discharged by the courts due to lack of evidence, trials are still pending against some others.