Overview: Cabinet Clears the Path for Case Withdrawals
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to withdraw a series of cases linked to the May 9 incident, which involved vandalism and firing in Mardan. The decision, confirmed by the Advocate General, was taken by the provincial cabinet and signals a shift in how the administration intends to handle cases tied to political unrest triggered during that period.
What Prompted the Withdrawal?
Advocate General Shah Faisal stated that the cases were founded on insufficient evidence and flawed investigations. He argued that many actions taken in the wake of the May 9 events appeared to be political victimisation rather than legitimate criminal conduct. Government sources echo this assessment, noting there had been little progress in pursuing these prosecutions and that continuing would drain administrative resources and time.
Administrative and Legal Steps
Following the cabinet’s approval, the Home Department was directed to initiate the formal process for withdrawing the cases. In parallel, Advocate Muhammad Inaam Yousafzai has been appointed as a special prosecutor to oversee the withdrawal proceedings and any related legal work. The move aims to streamline the legal process and prevent the misuse of judicial resources on cases deemed unfounded.
Context of the May 9 Incidents
On May 9, 2023, PTI lawmakers and supporters reportedly attacked military installations across Pakistan after the party chairman’s arrest by paramilitary Rangers. The protests were widespread, with significant activity in Peshawar, Mardan, Mohmand, and Khyber. The government launched a crackdown against PTI figures, registering FIRs across several districts and filing many cases under anti-terrorism provisions. A notable portion of these cases has since seen dismissal by the courts, including the one in Mardan.
What This Means for the Province
Advocates for the withdrawal argue that the move will prevent further political entanglements and allow the administration to reallocate scarce resources toward more pressing governance issues. Critics may view it as a political settlement; supporters, however, emphasize the importance of due process and the avoidance of baseless prosecutions that could undermine public trust in the judiciary.
Next Steps and Court Schedule
The court has scheduled a hearing for October 15 to review the ongoing status of these withdrawals and ensure that the legal process remains orderly. The Advocate General emphasized that withdrawing the cases does not imply an absolution of any criminal behavior; rather, it reflects an assessment that pursuing these particular prosecutions would not serve justice given the evidentiary shortcomings.
Broader Impact on PTI-Related Cases
So far, at least 29 cases linked to the May 9 events have been dismissed by courts in various districts. The Mardan case’s withdrawal aligns with this trend and underscores a broader re-evaluation of how political tensions are handled within the legal system. As the province moves forward, observers will be watching how these decisions affect the balance between security concerns and civil liberties.
