A Lahore court on Thursday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Senator Shibli Faraz. The order came during a hearing of the case involving an alleged attack on Islamabad Police outside Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence in March 2023.
The court directed that Shibli Faraz be arrested and produced at the next hearing. It also summoned PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan for appearance on July 30, and issued summons to the Adiala Jail authorities to ensure his production. The case is being pursued under charges related to interference in police operations and incitement of violence.
The FIR, lodged by Lahore’s Race Course Police Station, dates back to March 5, 2023, when Islamabad Police arrived in Lahore to execute Imran Khan’s arrest warrants in the Toshakhana case. A local court in Islamabad had issued non-bailable warrants after Khan repeatedly skipped hearings. However, as police reached Zaman Park, they were met by a large crowd of PTI workers, allegedly mobilized on the instructions of party leaders including Fawad Chaudhry.
Tensions quickly escalated, and police alleged that PTI supporters threw stones and resisted their efforts. At the time, Islamabad’s police chief had vowed not to leave without arresting Khan. Despite the chaotic scenes and legal warnings, Khan was not arrested during the attempt, though law enforcement later vowed to pursue action against those obstructing justice.
With more hearings scheduled, the case has now intensified, highlighting ongoing legal pressure on the PTI leadership. So far, over a dozen PTI leaders have faced summons or warrants in connection with the Zaman Park incident.