Proclaimed offender proceedings start after CM Afridi skips multiple summons
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Photo: X
The Anti Terrorism Court in Islamabad began proclaimed offender proceedings on Thursday against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and several other accused persons.
On court orders, notices summoning the accused were displayed at multiple locations, including the Judicial Complex, directing them to appear before the court.
The notices name Sohail Afridi, Meena Khan, Amjad Khan, Shafi Ullah Jan and Amjad Afridi, instructing them to appear before the court. According to the notices, the accused have either failed to comply with court orders or are absconding, prompting the court to proceed with legal action.
The court has emphasised that this would be the final opportunity for the accused to appear.
It stated that if the accused do not appear during proceedings under Section 87, they will be declared proclaimed offenders and further legal measures will follow.
Read: Imran's sisters, others booked on terror charges
According to police records, multiple FIRs have been lodged against Sohail Afridi in police stations across Islamabad. The ATC issued arrest warrants for Afridi in November in a case involving alleged arson during the November 26 protest. The Cyber Crime Wing in Islamabad has registered two separate cases against Afridi.
Sohail Afridi obtained protective bail from Peshawar High Court until December 9, which barred his arrest during that period.
D-Chowk Protest
On November 13, 2023, Imran Khan made a “final call” for nationwide protests to be held on November 24, demanding the restoration of PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of imprisoned party members, and the reversal of the 26th Amendment, which he claimed had empowered a “dictatorial regime”.
The protest took place in D-Chowk, Islamabad, where supporters travelled from different provinces to heed Khan’s call.
Officials ruled out negotiations, and police initiated an operation to disperse participants. PTI leaders left the venue during the action. The protest ended after the security operation on November 26.