Presence of Sohail Afridi, Others Confirmed in May 9 Incidents

Islamabad: The Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory has finalized its verification report on videos linked to the May 9 incidents in Peshawar, confirming the presence of several political figures in the footage. Those identified include Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Kamran Bangash, Taimur Jhagra and Irfan Saleem.

According to the findings, the forensic team examined video and audio-visual material provided by Peshawar Police. The analysis covered 16 videos stored on a USB submitted by Sharqi police station, with each clip reviewed frame by frame to determine authenticity.

The report noted that most videos showed no signs of manipulation. However, some clips contained added logos and text, while two videos featuring Sohail Afridi and Irfan Saleem showed evidence of joined clips. Investigators also matched profile photographs of the individuals with those appearing in the footage, confirming their identities.

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The laboratory clarified that its assessment was limited strictly to visual analysis and did not include audio or contextual evaluation. The verification process was completed between December 19 and December 23, 2025. The report was prepared after the Anti-Terrorism Court sought forensic verification in the Radio Pakistan attack case, following which police forwarded the material to the Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory.