A significant legal development has emerged in the May 9 and 10 cases, as the constitutional court has temporarily restrained the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government from withdrawing the case.
According to sources, the court issued a stay order on the petition filed by Radio Pakistan, under which the provincial government cannot currently terminate the case. The petition argued that the KP government was attempting to influence proceedings in Peshawar, and requested that the case be transferred to Islamabad or a court in Punjab to ensure a fair trial.
This is the same case in which it was decided to nominate Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, former ministers, and other leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. However, the police have not yet submitted the challan, due to which legal proceedings have not progressed fully.
It is worth noting that the provincial government had decided last year to withdraw several cases related to May 9 and 10, including this one. Following the court’s order, that decision has now been temporarily halted, and further legal clarity is expected in the next hearing.
The narrative of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf regarding the May 9 incidents—particularly the attack on Radio Pakistan Peshawar—has reportedly failed, with the recent court stay order dealing a major blow to its stance.
Decisions by the constitutional court and the high court in favor of Radio Pakistan have made it clear that the provincial government has limited options left. Attempts to form parallel committees to shield those involved have been rejected by the judiciary, reinforcing that those accused of attacking state institutions will face legal consequences.
The role of the KP government and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has also come under scrutiny, with claims that video and forensic evidence link them to the unrest.
Critics allege that the provincial assembly platform was misused to protect individuals accused in the cases, calling it a contradiction that those nominated in cases involving attacks on state property attempted to clear themselves through internal committees—efforts that were struck down by the courts.
Efforts by alleged financiers and influential backers to slow down proceedings have also failed, as strong forensic evidence continues to support the cases.
Attempts to delay legal proceedings have backfired, with growing indications of political and legal pressure on those involved.
These recent court developments signal that those responsible for the May 9 unrest may ultimately face accountability, as the legal process continues to move forward.
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