PESHAWAR: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Wednesday directed the prosecution to submit NADRA’s forensic report in the case related to the May 9, 2023 attack and arson at the Radio Pakistan building
ATC Judge Wali Muhammad Khan heard the case. Special Prosecutor Naumanul Haq Kakakhel appeared on behalf of the prosecution, while defence counsel Ali Zaman and Barrister Ameerullah Chamkani represented the accused.
Advocate Shabbir Hussain Gigyani appeared for the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation.The prosecution told the court that on May 9, 2023, enraged protesters attacked the Radio Pakistan Peshawar premises and set the building on fire following the arrest of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. They pleaded that a case was registered at East Cantt Police Station against around 80 suspects, including a provincial minister and several members of the assembly. The trial against the accused was under way in the ATC.
After hearing arguments, the court instructed the prosecution to place Nadra’s forensic report on record and adjourned proceedings until February 14.Meanwhile, Nadra issued a report on the identification of suspects, stating that facial recognition was conducted through its Facial Recognition System (FRS).
According to the report, folders containing the names of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Aamir Chamkani, Irfan Saleem, Kamran Bangash, and Taimur Jhagra were received, and the faces were potentially matched with CNIC numbers. However, it noted that ground verification remains essential. The report also stated that a USB sent along with a letter has been returned.
