Controversy deepens over KP CM Afridi’s alleged role in May 9 case

2026-02-06 - 05:06

PESHAWAR – The controversy over the alleged involvement of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in the May 9 violence case has further intensified following forensic and NADRA reports that have reportedly linked evidence to him. The official sources claimed that a report received from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency has associated certain evidence with Sohail Afridi. In addition, fresh data obtained from NADRA has also pointed towards evidence related to him. The court has directed that a complete and consolidated report be submitted by February 14. Police authorities have stated that, if directed by the court, they will formally question and investigate Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in connection with the case. Meanwhile, a debate has emerged on social media over whether the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police themselves forwarded the evidence to the Punjab Forensic Lab or whether the material was sent strictly under court orders. Clarifying the matter, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police did not independently send any material for forensic examination. He explained that the court handed over a sealed envelope containing a USB to the investigating officer and directed that it be sent to the forensic lab. He further said that neither his legal counsel nor the investigating officer was informed about the contents of the USB. According to him, his lawyer protested and requested that the material be shown, but the court did not allow this. He termed the process unfair and said the court instructed forensic experts to determine whether the individual appearing in the video was Sohail Afridi. Forensic experts later confirmed that the person shown in the video was indeed Sohail Afridi. However, the central issue, he said, remains whether he has any link to the events of May 9. He added that police have so far not carried out any investigation of him regarding these events. Chief Capital Police Officer Peshawar Mian Saeed said that police had already completed the investigation and submitted the challan to the court. He explained that during court proceedings, the opposing counsel presented certain material, after which the court ordered that the USB be handed over to police. Following this, the court directed police to send the USB to the Punjab Forensic Lab and NADRA. He added that both forensic and NADRA reports have now been submitted to the court and made part of the case record. Further action will be taken in line with the court’s next orders. According to the police officials, if the court issues further instructions, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would also be questioned. They said the matter now rests on whether the video and images are linked to the May 9 incident in Peshawar or not. Adil Raja, Moeed Pirzada among others handed life sentence in May 9 digital terrorism case