Web Desk: A district court in the federal capital issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Tuesday following his persistent failure to appear in proceedings involving allegations against state institutions.
The District and Sessions Courts of Islamabad took the decisive step after the Chief Minister skipped multiple hearings. Judge Abbas Shah, who presided over the session, expressed dissatisfaction with the defendant’s absence and ordered law enforcement to produce him before the court to ensure the legal process continues.
The case against Afridi originates from a complaint filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Authorities registered the case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), a primary legislation used to prosecute cyber-related offenses and matters concerning the security or reputation of state entities.
According to court documents, the Chief Minister is accused of leveling serious allegations against state institutions. While the defense has previously sought exemptions, the court maintained that the gravity of the charges requires the personal presence of the accused to move forward with the trial.
During the hearing, Judge Shah emphasized that the judicial system cannot remain stagnant due to the non-compliance of high-ranking officials. Consequently, the court directed the police to execute the warrants and ensure Afridi is presented at the next session.
Following the issuance of the warrants, the court adjourned the proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for April 16, by which time the authorities are expected to provide an update on the execution of the arrest orders.
The development marks a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration. Furthermore, the use of PECA laws in cases involving political figures continues to be a point of intense debate within Pakistan’s legal and political circles.
As the deadline of April 16 approaches, the federal government and provincial authorities are closely monitoring the situation to see if the Chief Minister will surrender to the court or challenge the warrants in a higher judicial forum.
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