The decision also includes plans to seek formal approval from the provincial cabinet and assembly to give legal protection to the resolutions adopted during the Jirga held on November 12.
According to official sources, the provincial government had earlier written to the Peshawar High Court (PHC) requesting the formation of a judicial inquiry into the riots, which included attacks on public property and the torching of the historic Radio Pakistan building. However, the judicial commission could not be formed as no judge was appointed for the task.
In view of this delay, the government has now opted to form a fact-finding commission under the leadership of a retired senior bureaucrat. The proposal will be tabled for approval in the upcoming cabinet meeting.
“The cabinet will formally approve the commission in its next session,” the sources said, adding that the move aims to ensure transparency and bring closure to one of the most controversial episodes in recent political history.
Meanwhile, the provincial government also intends to provide legislative backing to the Jirga communiqué to be issued on November 12. Once approved by the cabinet, the document will be presented in the K-P Assembly for ratification.
Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam, speaking to The Express Tribune, said that the May 9-10 incidents were blamed on PTI workers, which is why the government had initially sought a judicial inquiry through the PHC. “People have confidence in the judiciary, and we wanted the matter investigated through judicial channels. Since that has not happened, we are now proceeding with an independent commission led by a senior bureaucrat so that this issue can finally be settled,” he said.
The law minister added that the Jirga decisions were reached through broad consultations with political parties, lawyers, journalists, and civil society representatives, and the government is committed to implementing them through the cabinet.
On the other hand, PTI has invited political parties, lawyers, journalists, and civil society representatives to participate in a Peace Jirga scheduled for November 12 at the K-P Assembly.