Peshawar: (Tassawar News) Ikhtiar Wali Khan, a prominent figure within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, has issued a forceful call for a forensic examination of a recently disseminated video clip allegedly featuring Suhail Afridi, the incumbent Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). In a formal statement released from Peshawar, the senior PML-N leader asserted that a rigorous, impartial technical investigation is the only viable method to definitively establish the truth surrounding the controversy and effectively eliminate any lingering doubts concerning the authenticity and context of the footage. This demand underscores a broader political focus on accountability and the verification of evidence amidst the country’s ongoing political tensions.
Allegations of Involvement in May 9 Incidents
The crux of the controversy lies in the content of the video, which Ikhtiar Wali Khan claims appears to show Suhail Afridi during the tumultuous May 9 incidents—a day marked by widespread civil unrest and attacks on state installations across various parts of Pakistan.
According to Wali’s statement, the footage allegedly depicts Afridi in an alarming light, suggesting his potential involvement in leading or accompanying armed groups and actively participating in acts of violence. Specifically, other reports indicate the video allegedly shows Afridi outside the Corps Commander House in Lahore during the riots. This claim has serious ramifications, raising profound questions regarding Afridi’s purported role in the unrest and, consequently, his suitability for holding a public office of such constitutional gravity.
“The video in question appears to show Suhail Afridi during the May 9 incidents, footage that allegedly depicts him leading armed groups and participating in acts of violence. If proven genuine, these visuals raise serious concerns regarding his role and suitability for holding a public office.”
However, the PML-N leader maintained a stance that prioritises due process and scientific verification. He stressed that while the visuals raise legitimate concerns requiring legal scrutiny, only a forensic analysis conducted by independent experts can definitively verify the video’s authenticity and establish the undisputed facts of the matter.
The Call for Justice Based on Facts, Not Conjecture
Ikhtiar Wali Khan firmly advocated for a transparent, evidence-based process, distancing his party’s position from mere political rhetoric. He emphasised that the potential video evidence, if its authenticity is confirmed, highlights an urgent need for transparent investigations and thorough legal scrutiny to uphold the rule of law.
“We believe in justice through facts, not speculation. Once the forensic report is out, the entire nation will see the truth clearly, ensuring that accountability is ensured through lawful procedures.”
He further leveraged his platform to criticise the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for their swift and categorical dismissal of the video as fabricated without first awaiting the findings of a technical, scientific verification process. Wali argued that automatically labelling the footage as fake undermines the integrity of the investigative process. He maintained that denying the evidence or questioning its timing does not diminish the seriousness of the alleged actions depicted in the clips.
The gravity of the matter, according to the PML-N representative, extends beyond a simple political dispute.
“If the videos are authentic, they raise legitimate questions about leadership, governance, and the respect of constitutional oaths. Dealing with the matter must be through independent and scientific investigation, not political labeling.”
Upholding Constitutional Responsibility and Stability
Ikhtiar Wali Khan broadened his commentary to encompass the essential ethical and legal responsibilities of all public officials. He underscored the fundamental expectation that leaders must uphold their constitutional responsibilities and scrupulously avoid statements or actions that could be construed as incitement against state institutions. This emphasis on institutional respect and stability is a recurring theme in the discourse of the current ruling coalition.
He asserted that every leader, irrespective of their political affiliation, is bound to honour the spirit of their oath to office and actively contribute to national stability, not chaos. His remarks serve as a significant reminder that public trust rests upon the unwavering commitment of officials to their constitutional and legal obligations.
The PML-N representative concluded his statement by reiterating his party’s firm and unambiguous demand for an impartial and transparent forensic audit of all video materials related to the May 9 incidents. This process, he argued, is vital to ensure that any ensuing judicial or administrative action is based solidly on verified evidence, thereby insulating it from charges of political bias.
Conclusion
Ikhtiar Wali Khan’s demand for a comprehensive forensic examination of the video allegedly involving Suhail Afridi constitutes a critical point in the ongoing political contestation in Pakistan. By anchoring his party’s position on the principle of evidence-based justice, the PML-N leader has successfully shifted the focus from speculative political debate to the urgent need for technical truth verification. Political observers universally agree that a credible and transparent forensic process is paramount. Such an investigation would not only determine the reality behind the controversial footage and its political implications for the incumbent KP Chief Minister but would also serve a crucial function in restoring public confidence in the objectivity and fairness of the system of justice and accountability in Pakistan.
