ISLAMABAD: : An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, in connection with cases registered at Ramna and Margalla police stations. The warrants target key PTI figures in relation to ongoing legal proceedings and political activities.
Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra of the ATC ordered the arrest warrants concerning Afridi, MNAs Shahid Khattak, Maulana Naseem Ali Shah, Aamir Dogar, Atif Khan, Iqbal Afridi, and MPA Meena Khan, along with other PTI leaders. The warrants stem from Case No. 714 at Margalla Police Station, which involves allegations linked to protests and civil unrest.
The warrants come as PTI prepares for a major protest march scheduled for September 27 in Islamabad. Party leaders, including Afridi, have publicly announced their intention to lead the rally, which aims to highlight demands for constitutional rights, rule of law, and the release of PTI leader Imran Khan.
In recent weeks, Afridi and other PTI figures have been actively involved in mobilizing supporters, with some attempting to reach Adiala Jail to meet Imran Khan and participating in sit-ins outside the facility. These activities coincide with a series of legal cases against PTI leaders in Islamabad, including cases related to protests, violence, and arson.
Notably, in August, Afridi was seen alongside Meena Khan and Shahid Khattak during efforts to rally supporters for the upcoming march. The court has also maintained warrants for Afridi and other accused in a separate case concerning the November 26 protest, which involved violence and property damage in Islamabad.
The court rejected exemption requests from several accused who failed to appear and has directed police to submit the challan. Proceedings for this case have been adjourned until September 30. Authorities are also considering declaring Afridi and other absentees as proclaimed offenders.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court is examining a petition filed by a citizen, Waqas Ahmed, challenging the protest plan. The petition raises concerns about potential disruptions to daily life, traffic, and business activities, as well as the use of government resources for the mobilisation. The hearing was postponed, and the case remains separate from the ongoing criminal cases against PTI leaders.
The developments underscore the tense political climate ahead of the planned PTI protest march, which aims to demonstrate support for Imran Khan and advocate for constitutional rights amid mounting legal challenges.
