Punjab Forensic Lab Confirms KP CM, PTI Leaders in May 9 Incident Videos

The Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory (PFSL) has confirmed the presence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in videos from the May 9, 2023, incidents, according to an official report.

The lab conducted a detailed audio-visual analysis of 16 videos provided on a USB device at the request of the Peshawar police. Each video was examined frame by frame to ensure accuracy.

The May 9 events followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case, which sparked widespread protests across several cities. The demonstrations escalated into violent incidents, during which PTI workers reportedly attacked and vandalized state and military installations.

Most of the footage showed no evidence of editing. Only a few clips contained minor additions of people or text, and the analysis focused exclusively on visual material.

The report specifically confirmed KP CM Afridi’s presence through a match between his profile photograph and the footage. PTI leaders Irfan Saleem, Kamran Bangash, and former provincial minister Taimur Jhagra were also identified through visual comparison with their profile images. Evidence of clip splicing was noted in two videos linked to Afridi and Saleem.

The PFSL clarified that the report was prepared between December 19 and 23, 2025, and strictly limited to visual analysis. The examination was carried out following a request from the anti-terrorism court regarding the Radio Pakistan attack case.