Peshawar, October 28, 2026 — An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Peshawar has issued arrest warrants for former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and four other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in connection with the 2023 Radio Pakistan attack case.
The latest development marks another significant step in the legal proceedings related to the violent protests that erupted following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in May 2023.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the prosecution submitted a police charge sheet naming five individuals accused of involvement in the incident.
Anti-Terrorism Court Issues Arrest Warrants
The case was heard by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Wali Mohammad Khan in Peshawar. During the proceedings, the public prosecutor presented the police investigation report and charge sheet before the court.
Following the submission, the court issued arrest warrants for five individuals:
- Sohail Afridi – Former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Kamran Bangash – Former Provincial Minister
- Taimur Saleem Jhagra – Former Provincial Minister
- Irfan Saleem – PTI Peshawar District President
- Amir Khan Chamkani – PTI Activist
The five individuals have been named in the investigation into the attack on the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar.
The issuance of arrest warrants represents a procedural development in the ongoing criminal case and does not establish the guilt of the accused.
Background of the Radio Pakistan Attack
The Radio Pakistan attack occurred on May 10, 2023, during nationwide protests following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on May 9.
Demonstrations spread across several Pakistani cities, including Peshawar, where violent incidents resulted in damage to public and private property.
The historic Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar was attacked, vandalized and set on fire during the unrest. The incident caused extensive damage to the premises and became one of the most widely reported events of the May 2023 disturbances.
Authorities subsequently launched investigations and registered criminal cases against individuals suspected of participating in the violence.
Forensic Evidence and NADRA Reports
A significant aspect of the investigation involves forensic analysis of video footage and identity verification conducted by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
According to the investigation, forensic specialists examined video recordings allegedly connected to the attack, while NADRA conducted facial recognition analysis to help identify individuals appearing in the material.
Investigators reported matches involving Sohail Afridi and the other four accused. The findings contributed to their inclusion in the supplementary charge sheet.
However, PTI representatives have previously questioned the authenticity and relevance of the video evidence, arguing that some footage may not relate to the Radio Pakistan attack.
The admissibility, reliability and significance of this evidence remain matters for the court to determine.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Developments
The Radio Pakistan attack case has remained under judicial consideration for more than three years.
The original First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Peshawar’s East Cantonment Police Station on May 10, 2023, under provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The wider trial involves dozens of accused individuals, including political figures and former lawmakers.
In June 2025, 75 individuals were indicted on various charges in connection with the incident. They pleaded not guilty.
As the investigation continued, authorities examined additional video footage and identity-related evidence. A supplementary charge sheet naming Sohail Afridi and four others was submitted in October 2026.
The latest hearing on October 28 resulted in the issuance of arrest warrants against the five newly named accused.
Political and Legal Significance
The case carries significant political importance because several of the individuals named in the proceedings are prominent PTI figures with experience in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government.
The ongoing prosecution has also brought renewed attention to the legal consequences of the May 2023 protests.
From a legal perspective, the proceedings highlight the importance of forensic evidence, criminal investigations and judicial scrutiny in determining individual responsibility for incidents of political violence.
The accused retain their legal rights, including the right to challenge the allegations and present their defence before the court.
What Happens Next?
Following the issuance of arrest warrants, further developments will depend on the implementation of the court’s directions and subsequent legal proceedings.
The court may consider the prosecution’s evidence, hear arguments from defence lawyers and examine challenges to the investigation’s findings.
The case is expected to remain an important legal and political issue as proceedings continue.
Conclusion
The issuance of arrest warrants for Sohail Afridi, Kamran Bangash, Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Irfan Saleem and Amir Khan Chamkani represents a significant development in the Radio Pakistan attack case.
More than three years after the violence of May 2023, the investigation and judicial proceedings continue to address allegations concerning the destruction of public property.
The final determination of responsibility will depend on the evidence presented and the decisions of the relevant courts.
