ISLAMABAD: A court in Islamabad has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi after he failed to appear in a case involving alleged misleading statements and defamation of state institutions.
Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah issued the order on Tuesday. The judge noted that Sohail Afridi neither appeared personally nor sent legal representation despite receiving multiple opportunities.
The court expressed concern over his continued absence and directed authorities to ensure his appearance at the next hearing scheduled for September 3.
The judge also warned that further legal action could begin if the chief minister failed to attend the hearing.
NCCIA Registers Case Against KP Chief Minister
According to case records, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered the case against Sohail Afridi under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The case relates to allegations that the KP chief minister made misleading statements and defamatory remarks against state institutions through electronic platforms.
Meanwhile, the court has instructed relevant authorities to execute the arrest warrants and present the accused during the next hearing.
Ejaz Chaudhry Moves Supreme Court Against LHC Order
Separately, senior PTI leader and former senator Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry has approached the Supreme Court against the Lahore High Court’s decision to reject his request for suspension of sentence.
Chaudhry is currently imprisoned at Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail. An anti-terrorism court convicted him over alleged involvement in conspiracy meetings at Zaman Park, Lahore, before the May 9 events.
His legal team filed the petition through lawyer Raja Abdul Qadeer. The plea requested the Supreme Court to cancel the LHC order, suspend the sentence, and release Chaudhry on bail.
The petition argued that the conviction relied on disputed evidence. It also claimed that authorities did not recover any weapon, device, or other material linking him to the alleged incidents.
Aleema Khan Raises Allegations Over Imran Khan’s Imprisonment
Meanwhile, Aleema Khan claimed that her brother Imran Khan was facing difficulties in jail and said PTI supporters from across Pakistan would participate in the party’s upcoming march.
Speaking outside Adiala Jail, she said public pressure was necessary for Imran Khan’s release. She also criticized allegations against the PTI founder’s sisters for taking part in political activities.
Aleema Khan said, “They have deprived Imran Khan of all his rights and have been torturing him. This time people will come from across Pakistan,” she claimed.
She added that she was not afraid of imprisonment and would continue her political activities.
PTI leader Noreen Niazi also criticized the legal proceedings and expressed hope that Imran Khan would be released soon.
The latest developments highlight continued legal and political challenges facing PTI leaders and members of Imran Khan’s family.
