ATC Islamabad initiated proclaimed offender case against Sohail Afridi and several other accused persons
The Islamabad District Court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi following his repeated failure to appear in court in a case involving misleading allegations against state institutions and defamation.
Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah conducted the hearing on Thursday in a case filed under the PECA Act in which the National Cyber Crime Agency (NCCIA) had accused Sohail Afridi of making false statements. Despite the seriousness of the charges, Afridi and his lawyer failed to appear in court on the agreed date.
The court had earlier issued warrants for Afridi’s release on December 11 following his initial absence from the case. However, today’s sentence marks an escalation, with the court issuing non-dischargeable orders in light of his continued non-compliance.
Officials from the NCCIA and the investigating officer in the case were present in court, while Afridi’s legal team was notably absent. Following the latest ruling, the court has adjourned the case until January 3, 2026, giving Afridi time to comply with the subpoena or face further legal consequences.
Earlier, the Anti Terrorism Court in Islamabad initiated proclaimed offenders against Sohail Afridi and several other accused persons. Following court orders, notices summoning the accused were displayed at several places, including the judiciary directing them to appear in court.
The orders name Sohail Afridi, Meena Khan, Amjad Khan, Shafi Ullah Jan and Amjad Afridi, directing them to appear in court. According to the notices, the accused have either failed to comply with court orders or are on the run, prompting the court to proceed with the case.
The court emphasized that this would be the last opportunity for the accused to appear. It stated that if the accused do not appear for the trial under Section 87, they will be declared offenders and further legal action will follow.
Sohail Afridi obtained protective bail from the Peshawar High Court till December 9, preventing his arrest during that period.
