PHC Dismisses Plea on May 9 Forensic, NADRA Reports

News Desk
PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday formally dismissed a petition seeking access to Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) reports concerning the violent events of May 9.
The ruling marks another legal setback for petitioners attempting to challenge official evidence and documentation compiled in the wake of nationwide protests and civil unrest that erupted following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
During the proceedings, the bench reviewed arguments presented by the petitioner’s legal team, who contended that access to the forensic evaluations and database records was essential for transparent scrutiny of the cases registered against party workers. However, the state counsels and legal representatives for the respondents opposed the plea, maintaining that the investigative procedures and compilation of evidence are being conducted in accordance with established legal frameworks and procedural requirements.
The dismissal of this plea holds significant political and judicial ramifications, particularly as the legal battles surrounding the May 9 riots continue to dominate court dockets across the country. Critics and political analysts observe that access to forensic findings remains a central point of contention between the ruling coalition and the opposition, with both sides frequently clashing over the authenticity and handling of digital evidence, CCTV footage, and NADRA identification processes.
Following this verdict, the legal teams for the petitioners are expected to consult their leadership to determine their next course of action, which may include filing an appeal in the Supreme Court or pursuing alternative legal remedies within the high court. Meanwhile, trial courts handling the May 9 cases are likely to proceed with their ongoing hearings, utilizing the disputed forensic and database reports as part of the formal prosecution evidence.