Punjab Govt Withdraws Appointments of Multiple Special Prosecutors Over Poor Performance in May 9 Cases

LAHORE – The Punjab government has approved the withdrawal of appointments of several Special Prosecutors assigned to May 9 cases after a detailed performance review revealed serious shortcomings.

During a meeting of the provincial cabinet, performance reports of the Special Prosecutors were presented, highlighting inadequate representation of the state’s position in court proceedings. The cabinet expressed strong concern over the weak prosecution and lack of commitment by several appointed prosecutors.

According to the report, many Special Prosecutors showed extremely poor attendance during hearings. The findings revealed that:

* **Rao Abdul Jabbar** appeared in only **2 out of 62 hearings**
* **Asif Qureshi** appeared **6 times in 64 hearings**
* **Rana Ashfaq Shafi** appeared **4 times in 58 hearings**
* **Malik Ishrat Hussain** attended only **1 out of 67 hearings**
* **Rana Manzoor Ahmed** showed up **2 times out of 58 hearings**
* **Rana Nauman Gohar** appeared **25 times in 64 hearings**
* **Shahid Shaukat** attended **2 out of 99 hearings**

The report also flagged the “inadequate performance” of Special Prosecutor **Farhad Ali Shah** in the sensitive Sarwar Road case, recommending the withdrawal of his appointment as well.

Based on recommendations from the Prosecutor General Punjab and the Prosecution Department, the cabinet unanimously approved the decision to remove all poorly performing Special Prosecutors from their assignments related to the May 9 cases.

The government stated that ensuring effective prosecution is essential for justice and accountability in these high-profile cases.