55 May 9 Cases to Be Scrapped in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Full 2025 Update
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has officially decided to withdraw more than 55 pending cases linked to the May 9–10 protests that erupted after the arrest of PTI founding chairman Imran Khan. This major development marks a decisive step toward closing one of the most controversial legal chapters in Pakistan’s recent political history.
According to official updates, 319 cases were registered across K-P, but most have already been concluded through acquittals, discharges, or closure due to lack of evidence. The provincial cabinet has now approved the withdrawal of the remaining 55 cases, signaling a shift toward political reconciliation and administrative closure.
Below is a detailed, easy-English analysis of the development, its background, legal implications, and future impact.
Background of the May 9–10 Incidents
The May 9–10 unrest began after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, triggering large-scale demonstrations, clashes with police, and attacks on public buildings. The government at the time registered hundreds of cases across the country, including 319 in K-P alone.
These cases ranged from minor offences to serious allegations under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Many PTI workers were arrested, while others faced long-standing trials.
Over time, courts reviewing evidence found substantial gaps, resulting in acquittals and dismissals.
K-P Government Moves to Withdraw 55 Remaining Cases
The decision to withdraw 55 pending cases comes after the K-P cabinet formally approved their termination. Once the cabinet minutes are issued, petitions will be filed in courts requesting withdrawal of all remaining cases related to May 9–10.
These cases remained pending mainly because:
- Responses from prosecution or investigators were still incomplete
- Evidence was insufficient
- Courts had not yet begun full proceedings
Advocate General K-P Shah Faisal Uthmankhel confirmed that these 55 cases had no substantial progress and were therefore marked for withdrawal.
Breakdown of the 319 Registered Cases
According to official documents:
- Total cases registered: 319
- Cases concluded: Most, through acquittals, discharges, or closure
- Cases still under trial: 55 (now to be scrapped)
- Cases under ATA: 29 active initially
- Concluded ATA cases: 23, including eight acquittals
- Remaining terrorism-related cases: 6
The government believes that once court petitions are approved, no May 9 or May 10 case will remain active in the province.
Why Were So Many Cases Dropped?
Several key factors influenced this decision:
1. Lack of Evidence
Courts frequently noted that many FIRs lacked:
- Credible witnesses
- Video proof
- Proper documentation
- Clear identification of suspects
Without solid evidence, cases could not meet legal standards.
2. Overlapping Sections
Several cases were registered with unnecessary or incorrect sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which complicated proceedings and slowed the justice process.
3. Administrative Delays
A number of cases were pending simply because:
- Written responses were incomplete
- Investigating officers were transferred
- Evidence summaries were not filed
4. Political Normalisation
The decision aligns with K-P’s broader strategy to reduce politically motivated tensions and move toward administrative stability.
Appointment of a Special Prosecutor for Terrorism-Related Cases
The K-P government has appointed Additional Advocate General Inam Yousafzai as the special prosecutor to handle all cases involving terrorism charges.
His role includes:
- Reviewing the status of ATA-related cases
- Ensuring fair legal procedure
- Coordinating with courts for case withdrawals
- Monitoring ongoing investigations
This appointment ensures a centralised, professional legal approach toward these sensitive cases.
Status of Terrorism Cases Under ATA
Although the majority of May 9 cases have been dropped, six terrorism-related cases remain open. Their progress is as follows:
- One case has already been submitted for withdrawal
- Five cases are under legal review
- Government responses are being finalised
Once these steps are completed, the government aims to terminate all May 9–10 cases involving ATA as well.
ATC Courts in K-P: Pendency Report
A separate report reveals that 416 cases are currently pending across 10 Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) in K-P.
City-wise summary:
- Peshawar: 192 pending cases
- Other districts: Remaining cases distributed
- November performance:
- 100 cases decided
- Peshawar disposed of 57
- Buner, Bannu & D.I. Khan: 0 cases decided
The slow disposal rate highlights the heavy caseload and administrative challenges within the ATC system.
Impact of Withdrawing May 9 Cases
The decision is expected to have multiple implications:
1. Political Relief for PTI Workers
Hundreds of PTI supporters, previously entangled in legal complications, will now be free of charges.
2. Reduced Burden on Courts
With 55 cases withdrawn, courts—already dealing with high backlogs—will experience slight relief.
3. Improved Government–Opposition Relations
Ending politically sensitive cases may help reduce tensions and open space for political dialogue.
4. Administrative Efficiency
Focusing only on high-priority terrorism cases improves the quality of prosecution work.
5. Strengthened Judicial Oversight
Courts will now handle only the most serious, evidence-backed cases instead of politically charged FIRs.
Why Google Users Search for This Topic – Relevant Keywords
People often search about:
- May 9 cases update 2025
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa PTI cases
- Imran Khan protest cases
- ATA cases in Pakistan latest news
- K-P cabinet May 9 decision
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These keywords reflect widespread public interest in political stability and legal accountability.
Future Outlook: What Happens Next?
Now that the K-P cabinet has approved the withdrawals, the next steps include:
1. Issuing Cabinet Meeting Minutes
This legal requirement must be fulfilled before filing petitions.
2. Filing Withdrawal Applications in Courts
Government lawyers will request termination of all 55 pending cases.
3. Court Arguments & Final Orders
Courts will:
- Review records
- Hear arguments
- Issue withdrawal orders
4. Closure of Remaining ATA Cases
After final legal checks, remaining cases may also be scrapped.
Once these steps are completed, no May 9–10 case will remain active in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking a major political and legal milestone.
Conclusion
The K-P government’s decision to withdraw 55 May 9–10 cases reflects a shift toward political reconciliation, legal clarity, and administrative reform. With the majority of cases already concluded and terrorism-related cases under review, this development signals an end to a turbulent chapter for PTI workers and the K-P judicial system.
By prioritising evidence-based prosecution, removing weak cases, and reducing court burdens, the provincial administration aims to bring closure and move forward with governance and justice reforms.
May 9 Cases K-P FAQs
1. How many May 9–10 cases were originally registered in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa?
A total of 319 cases were registered across K-P in connection with the May 9–10 protests following Imran Khan’s arrest.
2. How many May 9 cases are being withdrawn now?
The K-P government has decided to withdraw more than 55 pending cases once the cabinet meeting minutes are officially issued.
3. Are any Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) cases still active?
Yes. Out of the ATA cases, six terrorism-related cases are still under process. One is already submitted for withdrawal, and the remaining five will be reviewed soon.
4. Why are these May 9 cases being withdrawn?
Most cases lacked strong evidence, had incomplete responses, or were filed with incorrect sections. Courts also concluded many due to weak documentation. The government now aims for administrative closure and political normalization.
5. What happens after the cabinet minutes are issued?
Once minutes are released, government lawyers will file petitions in relevant courts to withdraw the remaining cases. After hearings, all May 9–10 cases in K-P are expected to be terminated officially.
