Court unblocks ID cards in May 9 case

A Peshawar sessions court on Saturday ordered the unblocking of identity cards of four nominated accused in a case related to the May 9 protests, cancelled the proclamation proceedings against them and withdrew their arrest warrants.

The court also directed the concerned Station House Officer to submit a report verifying the death of one accused.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Kashif Mirza was hearing the case. During the proceedings, 27 nominated accused appeared in court, including Provincial Minister Meena Khan Afridi, former district nazim Arbab Asim and former Senate candidate Irfan Saleem.

The court ordered the unblocking of the identity cards of accused Younas Zahir, Jalal, Asad and Arshad. It simultaneously terminated the proclamation proceedings initiated against the four and recalled the warrants of arrest issued for them.

A death certificate of nominated accused Mahir Khan was also presented in court. The judge directed the relevant SHO to verify the accused's death and submit a confirmatory report.

The court was informed that interim challans had yet to be received in respect of nominated accused Arshad Aqib, Mahboobur Rehman, Kamran and Khalid Jan.

According to the prosecution, the accused staged a protest near Family Park on GT Road on May 9. During the demonstration, agitated PTI protesters damaged private and government property, while nearly 10 police personnel were also injured. The prosecution stated that several individuals, including Provincial Minister Meena Khan Afridi, had been nominated in the case arising from the protest. The court adjourned further hearing of the case until September 10.