Court places forensic report on record

Defers hearing in Radio Pakistan May 9 attack and arson case

PESHAWAR:

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Peshawar has advanced proceedings in the case related to the violent attack and arson on the Radio Pakistan building during protests on May 10, 2023.

The court issued its written order from the prior hearing, accepting the special prosecutor's submission of a forensic report on the record while postponing the next hearing to March 31.

According to the court's written order, nine nominated accused individuals remain absconding. They include Rehan, Zewar Khan, Rahman Jalal, Abbas, Attaullah, Hamza Ghazanfar, Haroon, Mashhood Hassan, and Khalid Khan Afridi.

During the proceedings, one accused, Farid Gul, appeared in court and requested exemption from personal attendance, which the court granted. The matter was then adjourned.

The case stems from the May 10, 2023, incident when enraged protesters stormed and set fire to the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar amid nationwide demonstrations triggered by the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The attack caused significant damage to public and private property, including broadcasting equipment and historical archives.

An FIR was registered at the East Cantt Police Station against several current and former PTI members of the provincial assembly, along with over 80 other PTI workers and supporters nominated as accused.

Radio Pakistan's counsel, Shabbir Hussain Gigyani, had earlier requested during trial that the identities and verification of the accused be confirmed through forensic analysis by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and Nadra (National Database and Registration Authority).

The court approved the application and directed the investigating officer to obtain the reports.

The investigating officer subsequently provided the forensic and Nadra reports to the special prosecutor, who submitted them to the court. The ATC placed the report on file and deferred further hearing to March 31 for continuation of proceedings.