The Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory has confirmed that incumbent Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and several other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders were present during the May 9, 2023, riots in Peshawar.
In an official report, prepared at the request of the Peshawar police, the forensic lab said it conducted audio-visual analysis of 16 videos, finding no evidence of any tampering in the majority, and some “limited” additions of people of text in a few clips.
The report states there was evidence of “clip splicing” in two videos featuring Afridi and PTI leader Irfan Saleem, but noted that the unedited footage confirmed that an individual participating in the May 9 riots was the incumbent chief minister. Additionally, the report states, Saleem’s official profile photo matches that of the individual seen in the videos. Another PTI leader, Kamran Bangash, was also found to be involved, as was former provincial minister Taimur Jhagra.
The lab has said the report was prepared between Dec. 19 and Dec. 23, 2025, adding the analysis was confined to visual evidence only. Last year, an Anti-Terrorism Court in Peshawar had directed police to seek forensic analysis of footage of attacks on the Radio Pakistan building on May 9, 2023.
The May 9, 2023 riots refer to the nationwide unrest triggered by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a corruption case. The violent incidents saw demonstrators attack and vandalize several military and state installations.
Political reactions
Shortly after the report went viral on social media on Sunday, several PTI leaders claimed the clips were of a separate incident than the May 9, 2023 riots. Jhagra, who was found to be involved in one video, questioned how he and other individuals not nominated in the case were confirmed to be present.
“The posts with screenshots are very interesting because they have nothing to do with Radio Pakistan. I believe the Punjab lab is simply commenting on whether it thinks the videos are genuine or not. My first video screenshot is of a video that is not even shot in Peshawar,” he said, claiming his footage was from Islamabad.
However, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the lab report was “irrefutable evidence” of the PTI’s involvement in attacks on Radio Pakistan and toll plazas in Peshawar. She said the evidence was now admissible in any court of law, and those involved in rioting would be brought to justice.