Non-bailable arrest warrants issued for CM Afridi over misleading remarks against state institutions

ATC Islamabad began proclaimed offender proceedings 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 after his repeated failure to appear in court regarding a case involving misleading allegations against state institutions and damaging their reputation.

Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah conducted the hearing on Thursday on a case filed under the PECA Act, where 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 before the court on the scheduled date.

The court had previously issued bailable arrest warrants for Afridi on December 11, following his initial absence from the proceedings. However, today’s ruling marks an escalation, with the court issuing non-bailable warrants in light of his continued non-compliance.

Officials from the NCCIA and the investigation 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, allowing time for Afridi to comply with the summons or face further legal consequences.

Earlier, the Anti Terrorism Court in Islamabad began proclaimed offender proceedings against 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.

Sohail Afridi obtained protective bail from Peshawar High Court until December 9, which barred his arrest during that period.