PTI workers among 18 acquitted in May 9 case

PESHAWAR: Special Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Muhammad Iqbal here on Friday acquitted 18 people, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers, for lack of evidence in the May 9 protest case.

The prosecution had accused the defendants, including one Jafar, of staging a protest in Landikotal tehsil in Khyber district on May 9.The protesters allegedly blocked the Torkham Road and damaged both private and government property, including a vehicle belonging to the Anti-Narcotics Force.

Following the protest, the Counter-Terrorism Department registered a case against 18 individuals at the Landikotal Police Station and completed the investigation, after which a formal charge-sheet was submitted to the court.

The trial commenced in ATC Court No. 1, where the statements of the defendants and prosecution witnesses were recorded.During the proceedings, the prosecution was unable to prove the charges against the accused. As a result, the court acquitted all 18 individuals due to lack of evidence.