May 9 Radio Pakistan case hearing adjourned

The Special Anti-Terrorism Court in Peshawar has adjourned the high-profile case concerning the attack on Radio Pakistan's Peshawar building and the torching of property during protests against the arrest of the PTI founder on May 9 and 10, until September 18, due to the absence of the special prosecutor appointed by the provincial government. The court directed all parties to appear at the next hearing so that arguments could be completed. The proceedings commenced Monday at the Special Anti-Terrorism Court in Peshawar, where Radio Pakistan's counsel Shabbir Hussain Gigyani, defense lawyers Ali Zaman and Inam Yousafzai, Investigation Officer Khushal Khan and other officials appeared before the court. During the hearing, a junior colleague of Special Prosecutor Nomanul Haq Kakakhel informed the court that the senior special prosecutor was occupied with other cases in the High Court and could not appear, requesting an adjournment. On the other side, Radio Pakistan's counsel Shabbir Hussain Gigyani told the court that he too had appeared in the High Court but had made time for this case, adding that the matter was being unnecessarily delayed. He urged the court to bind the special prosecutor to appear on the next date so that arguments could be concluded. The court ruled that all parties must appear at the next hearing to complete arguments, and adjourned the hearing of the application until September 18. The case's investigation officer informed the court that a report had been submitted in the case, which also includes reports sent by the Punjab Forensic Laboratory and NADRA. Meanwhile, some of the accused filed applications under Section 265 for their acquittal, arguing that the prosecution possessed no evidence against them and that they should therefore be acquitted. The court issued notices to the prosecution in response. According to the prosecution, nine nominated accused in the May 9 case remain at large. They are accused of attacking the Radio Pakistan building during protests on May 9, 2023, setting the building on fire and causing vandalism.