KP Cabinet Withdraws Politically Motivated May 9 Cases

ISLAMABAD: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet has decided to withdraw what it described as “politically motivated cases” registered on May 9 and 10, 2023, citing a lack of credible evidence. The announcement was made during the 41st cabinet meeting, addressed via video link by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi.

The provincial government also stated that the inquiry into the Radio Pakistan Peshawar incident would be referred to a Special Committee of the Provincial Assembly for further examination.

The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan in a corruption case. The unrest included attacks on military and state installations, notably the Jinnah House in Lahore. Senior PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and Yasmin Rashid, remain in custody over their alleged involvement.

Chief Minister Afridi condemned recent press conferences by federal ministers, calling them inhuman, immoral, and unconstitutional. He criticized the solitary confinement of Imran Khan and his wife, emphasizing that any mistreatment of political or non-political figures is unacceptable.

The cabinet meeting also focused on good governance, transparency, and digitalisation. Afridi directed officials to prioritize online participation in official meetings to save time and reduce expenditures. He announced that all provincial government recruitments, including autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, will be conducted exclusively through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA), banning private testing agencies.

On financial matters, Afridi raised concerns over KP’s continued denial of Rs 1,375 billion in the National Finance Commission Award for the merged districts. He also highlighted the adverse effects of the 55-day closure of the Torkham border and directed the district administration to provide food, shelter, and essential facilities to affected populations.

Read more: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Criticizes PTI for Crossing Red Lines on Military

Other key decisions include:

• Distribution formula for reserved seats for students of merged districts in medical and dental colleges.

• Formation of the KP Sugarcane and Sugar Beet Control Board and approval of mill representatives for 2025–26.

• Approval of a special grant of Rs 150 million for the Counter-Terrorism Department.

• Review of the province’s new Posting and Transfer Policy and redistribution of reserved seats after the division of South Waziristan.

• Implementation of recommendations following the repeal of the Action in Aid of Civil Powers law.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information, Shafi Ullah Jan, said these measures aim to enhance transparency, efficiency, and public welfare across the province.