PESHAWAR: A new controversy has emerged in connection with the May 9 case after reports from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and Nadra connected video evidence to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The court has summoned a comprehensive report on the matter scheduled for February 14.
According to official communications received from the Punjab forensic laboratory, the evidence presented has been associated with CM Afridi. Additionally, a separate verification report from Nadra has also identified related material involving him.
The court has ordered that complete forensic and NADRA reports be submitted by February 14. Authorities have stated that if directed by the court, they are prepared to formally investigate the KP chief minister in connection with the case.Meanwhile, social media has raised questions over whether the KP police themselves forwarded the evidence involving the chief minister to the Punjab forensic lab or if the material was sent solely based on court directives.
In a statement to The News, CM Afridi clarified that the KP police did not send the evidence independently. He explained that the court handed a sealed envelope containing a USB drive to the investigating officer, instructing that it be sent to forensic experts.
The chief minister added that neither his lawyer nor the investigating officer were made aware of the USB’s contents. He claimed that his lawyer requested to present the material in court but was denied permission. Afridi described the transfer of the USB as an injustice.He further stated that the court asked forensic specialists to verify whether the individual in the video was him. According to Afridi, the experts confirmed that the person in the footage was indeed him.
“However, the key question remains whether Sohail Afridi has any connection to the May 9 events,” the CM noted. He clarified that police had not initiated any investigation against him so far.
Separately, Peshawar’s Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Mian Saeed told The News that police had already completed their investigation and submitted the challan to the court.He explained that after the defense lawyer presented certain evidence, the court directed that the USB be handed over to police. The court then ordered the police to send the USB for verification to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and Nadra.
The CCPO confirmed that both the forensic and Nadra reports have been submitted and are now part of the case record. He added that further steps would depend on the court’s next instructions.He also stated that, if instructed by the court, CM Afridi could be investigated further. The CCPO emphasized that it is now up to the court to determine whether the video and related material have any link to the May 9 incidents in Peshawar.
