ATC upholds arrest warrants for Sohail Afridi in Oct 4 protest case

Court also declares other PTI leaders proclaimed offenders over repeated absence from hearings

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday upheld the arrest warrants of Sohail Afridi in a case related to the killing of a police officer during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) October 4, 2024 protest, ordering authorities to arrest and produce him before the court.

The court of ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra also declared former opposition leader Omar Ayub, Amir Mughal, Hafeezur Rehman and other accused as proclaimed offenders due to their continued absence from the proceedings.

During the hearing, PTI leader Azam Swati appeared before the court. Noting Afridi's repeated failure to appear, the court maintained his arrest warrants and directed law enforcement authorities to ensure his arrest and production before the court.

Read More: Islamabad court issues non-bailable warrants for CM Afridi

Meanwhile, the court continued proceedings against Swati and recorded the testimony of another prosecution witness. Following the witness statement, the court adjourned further proceedings until June 22.

The case was registered at Islamabad's Noon Police Station in connection with PTI's October 4 protest in 2024, during which a police officer was killed.

Last week, the District and Sessions Court of Islamabad maintained the non-bailable arrest warrants of CM Afridi in a case related to alleged misleading allegations against state institutions and attempts to damage their reputation.

The court also directed authorities to arrest the accused and present him before the court. Multiple arrest warrants have previously been issued for the chief minister in the case.