The Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory has confirmed the presence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in videos from the May 9 Peshawar unrest.
The detailed forensic report also verified the presence of Kamran Bangash, Taimur Jhagra, and Irfan Saleem in the same footage.
The analysis was conducted under the direction of an Anti-Terrorism Court, which requested a technical review of videos linked to the Radio Pakistan attack case.
Authorities submitted a total of 16 videos to the laboratory through a USB for a frame-by-frame examination. The technical review focused on identifying any signs of editing, manipulation, or visual alterations.
The report found no evidence of editing or tampering in most videos. However, logos and written text were added to a few clips, and minor splicing was detected in two videos involving Sohail Afridi and Irfan Saleem.
Forensic experts also used social media profile pictures to confirm identities. Sohail Afridi’s profile photo matched the individual captured in the May 9 footage.
Similarly, visual comparisons confirmed that Kamran Bangash, Taimur Jhagra, and Irfan Saleem were present in the analyzed videos. The report clarified that this identification relied solely on visual analysis, with no audio or other forms of evidence included.
The forensic process was completed between December 19 and December 23, 2025. Police officials stated that the report will be formally submitted in court as part of ongoing proceedings.
This comprehensive examination highlights the importance of forensic verification in high-profile incidents. The findings provide objective confirmation of the presence of prominent leaders during the unrest, ensuring evidence-based conclusions.
Authorities emphasized that the report strictly focused on video material and did not make conclusions beyond visual identification. The inclusion of digital and visual forensic methods underscores the evolving approach of law enforcement in complex cases.
Overall, the forensic report offers crucial insights for the legal process, establishing a verified timeline and participant identification for the May 9 Peshawar unrest. Courts will now review the findings in conjunction with other evidence to progress ongoing investigations.
