KP Government to Revisit May 9 Riot Probe as PHC Declines Judicial Inquiry Request

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to revisit its approach to investigating the May 9 riots, opting to refer the matter back to the provincial cabinet after the Peshawar High Court (PHC) turned down its request for a judicial inquiry. The decision was announced by KP Advocate General Shah Faisal Uthmankhel, who spoke to the media on Saturday.

The riots in question erupted last year following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, leading to widespread unrest and vandalism, including attacks on military installations. The former ruling party, PTI, has faced intense scrutiny for its alleged role in the violence, with both the previous and current governments blaming the party for orchestrating the riots. PTI has consistently denied these allegations.

In response to the PHC’s refusal, Advocate General Uthmankhel explained that the high court’s registrar had cited a violation of the Rules of Business of 1985, stating that the forum which requested the inquiry lacked the necessary mandate. Despite this, Uthmankhel argued that the procedure followed by the KP government was correct and that no specific provision of the legislation had been breached.

“The chief minister has made it clear that the inquiry will take place no matter what,” Uthmankhel asserted, reflecting the provincial government’s unwavering stance on the issue. He also expressed frustration with the PHC’s lack of clarity regarding the specific legal violation, urging the court to either refuse the inquiry outright or specify the reasons for its decision.

The KP government’s initial request for a judicial commission was confirmed last month by Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi and had been based on a cabinet decision made on June 27. The government remains committed to pursuing an investigation into the May 9 events to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability.

The situation remains tense as the PTI continues to navigate the political fallout from the riots, with the military also calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable in accordance with the Constitution and the law. The KP government’s determination to move forward with the inquiry reflects the ongoing challenges in addressing the complex legal and political ramifications of the May 9 unrest.