The cases related to the May 9 incident of ‘vandalism and firing’ in Mardan are likely to be withdrawn, according to the official sources.
In this regard, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has decided to withdraw the cases, Advocate General Shah Faisal confirmed on Saturday. The cabinet has also given the approval for the withdrawal of the case.
According to the Advocate General, these cases were based on insufficient evidence, flawed investigations, and were largely seen as acts of political victimisation.
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Government sources also said that no progress had been made in these cases and continuing the proceedings was wasting administrative resources and time.
K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had taken notice of the matter and sought a review of all such cases. The chief minister subsequently approved the withdrawal of the cases through cabinet circulation.
Following this approval, the Home Department was directed to initiate the formal process of withdrawing the cases.
Advocate General Shah Faisal further stated that Advocate Muhammad Inaam Yousafzai has been appointed as the special prosecutor to oversee legal proceedings related to the withdrawal.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 15.
It may be recalled that on May 9, 2023, PTI lawmakers and supporters reportedly attacked military installations across Pakistan following party chairman’s arrest by paramilitary Rangers.
Protests had broken out across the province, particularly in Peshawar, Mardan, Mohmand, and Khyber.
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Later, the government launched a heavy-handed crackdown against the former ruling party while registering FIRs against thousands of people including PTI founder Imran Khan.
Over 100 PTI workers and supporters were also handed over to military authorities for their trial in military courts.
Cases were registered in various districts of the province, most of which were filed under anti-terrorism charges.
So far, a total of 29 such cases have been dismissed by the courts, including the one registered in Mardan.
