An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has initiated proclamation proceedings against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and two PTI leaders. The action followed their repeated failure to appear despite non-bailable arrest warrants. The case relates to the November 26, 2024 protest.
Court Starts Legal Process Over Continued Absence
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra heard the case on Friday. During the hearing, the Islamabad police submitted a progress report on the investigation into the FIR registered at Margalla police station.
According to the report, investigators have completed the inquiry. Police also responded to the court’s notice seeking an explanation for the delay in submitting the challan.
The report stated that the court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Sohail Afridi, PTI leader Junaid Akbar, and Abdul Ghani Afridi on June 23, 2026. However, authorities could not execute the warrants despite repeated efforts.
Consequently, police informed the court that they had initiated proclamation proceedings under the relevant legal provisions. They added that preparation of the challan would enter its final stage after completing the required legal process.
Court Adjourns Hearing Until September
Police maintained they had taken all legal measures to secure the accused’s appearance. Furthermore, investigators denied any negligence or unnecessary delay during the investigation.
After reviewing the report, Judge Sipra formally initiated proclamation proceedings against all three accused. The court then adjourned the case until September 9.
The judge directed authorities to complete the remaining legal formalities before submitting the challan. The case originated from the November 26, 2024 protest, which resulted in the registration of a criminal case at Margalla police station against Afridi and other participants.
