Radio Pakistan Attack Case: Arrest Warrants Issued for Five Accused, Including Sohail Afridi.

PESHAWAR: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Peshawar has issued arrest warrants for five nominated individuals, including former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sohail Afridi, in a case concerning the May 9, 2023, attack and vandalism at the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar. The hearing was presided over by ATC Judge Wali Muhammad, during which the public prosecutor submitted the police challan to the court. The individuals named in the warrants are Sohail Afridi, Kamran Bangash, Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Irfan Saleem and Aamir Chamkani. According to the police challan, reports were obtained from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Punjab Forensic Science Agency to verify the identities of the accused and their alleged presence at the scene. The police report claims that forensic evidence confirmed the presence of Sohail Afridi, Taimur Saleem Jhagra and Kamran Bangash at the location of the incident. The case relates to the attack and vandalism at the Radio Pakistan building on May 9, 2023, and, according to the information provided, approximately 75 individuals are already facing trial. Radio Pakistan’s lawyer, Shabbir Hussain Gigyani, has argued that a conviction could have consequences for Sohail Afridi’s position as chief minister. He has also referred to the possibility of the provincial government being affected and of lifetime disqualification. These are the lawyer’s legal arguments, not a final court ruling. The issuance of arrest warrants does not establish guilt, and all accused individuals are entitled to a fair trial and the right to defend themselves under the law. Their guilt or innocence will ultimately be determined by the court.