ISLAMABAD:
Former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur took a major step before stepping down from office by effectively closing the chapter of May 9-related cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, senior party leaders, and hundreds of workers across the province.
According to PTI Secretary of Information Waqas Akram Sheikh, a total of 319 cases were registered across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in connection with the violent protests that erupted on May 9, 2023, following Imran Khan’s arrest by paramilitary Rangers. Of these, 268 cases were legally concluded with the cooperation of police and prosecutors, ensuring that none could later be reopened as a “tool of political blackmail.”
Waqas Sheikh praised Gandapur for what he termed a “commendable and courageous effort” to legally dispose of politically motivated cases. He noted that Gandapur’s actions reflected his loyalty to the party and his commitment to safeguarding its workers from what PTI called “political victimization.”
The spokesperson confirmed that 51 cases remain under process due to the absence of some accused individuals, but he expressed confidence that these too would soon be resolved. Out of 29 cases filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 23 have already been dismissed, while six remain pending.
He added that earlier this month, before submitting his resignation, Gandapur’s cabinet had formally approved the withdrawal of all remaining May 9-related cases. This decision was later confirmed by Advocate General Shah Faisal, who said that the cabinet had reviewed available evidence and investigations before deciding to withdraw cases that were either legally flawed, politically motivated, or lacked sufficient evidence.
According to the Advocate General’s report, the cabinet’s move was aimed at preventing the waste of administrative resources and time on cases that could not stand in court.
Political analysts have noted that Gandapur’s decision appears to be part of a broader strategy by PTI’s provincial leadership to distance the party from the violent events of May 9, while also offering legal relief to its members.
