Proclamation Proceedings Begin Against Sohail AfridiPakistan

It further stated that permanent arrest warrants would be issued against Sohail Afridi and Aamir Chamkani following their declaration as proclaimed offenders. Sohail Afridi was nominated in the Radio Pakistan attack case on the basis of an application filed by Radio Pakistan, the report said.

More than 80 suspects have been nominated in the case, and the trial is currently underway, according to the report. The case relates to the attack on the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar on May 9, 2023, during protests that followed the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, when demonstrators set the building and vehicles on fire and damaged broadcasting equipment.

The latest development follows a hearing earlier this week in which the same court, presided over by ATC Judge Wali Muhammad Khan, reissued arrest warrants for Sohail Afridi and Aamir Chamkani, Express News reported. At that hearing, the court extended the interim bail of three former provincial ministers, Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Kamran Bangash and Irfan Saleem, until November 17, and adjourned further proceedings to the same date.

According to the case record, Afridi, Jhagra, Bangash, Irfan Saleem and Chamkani have been nominated in connection with the attack on the state broadcaster’s premises. Prosecutors have placed forensic findings from NADRA and the Punjab Forensic Science Agency before the court, which they say link the accused to the incident. The defence has disputed the authenticity of the video footage relied upon by the prosecution.

Being nominated in a criminal case does not by itself establish guilt, and the allegations against the named individuals remain subject to judicial examination. The court is expected to review the matter further at the next hearing on November 17.