LEGAL
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has declared Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi a proclaimed offender, along with provincial ministers Meena Khan, Shafi Jan, Amjad Ali, and Iqbal Afridi. The declarations were made in connection with two separate cases registered against the five officials.
According to court orders, the accused have been directed to appear in court within 30 days. Failure to comply will result in further legal action, including potential arrests.
The cases against Sohail Afridi and others were registered at the Ramna Police Station in connection with protests held on November 26, 2024. These cases are part of a broader crackdown, with Islamabad police reporting that around 80% of PTI members of the provincial assembly are currently facing cases. In total, 70 PTI MPAs are wanted by Islamabad authorities.
Police sources revealed that most of the accused PTI lawmakers have not sought bail from any court, and investigations into the registered cases are ongoing. Authorities have collected detailed records of the alleged offences, including participation in unlawful protests and defiance of legal orders.
The ATC’s proclamation is a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings against PTI members, highlighting the intensifying enforcement actions following political unrest and demonstrations in the federal capital.