Islamabad: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has started proceedings to declare Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi a proclaimed offender. The court approved the request after the accused repeatedly avoided appearing. Inspector Abdul Qadir filed the petition against Afridi and others involved in the November 26 protest case.
The court noted that Sohail Afridi, along with Mina Afridi and Dr. Amjad, deliberately evaded arrest despite multiple summons. The judge expressed satisfaction that the accused were avoiding legal proceedings on purpose. This action reflects the seriousness of the Anti-Terrorism Court in pursuing accountability.
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The petition stated that the November 26 protest case remains active and unresolved. Police claimed that the accused ignored repeated court orders. Therefore, the court moved to declare them proclaimed offenders to facilitate legal action. This step is intended to ensure that the accused face justice.
Experts say declaring someone a proclaimed offender allows law enforcement to arrest them without prior notice. It also restricts their movement and increases pressure to appear in court. The process signals the judiciary’s firm stance against evasion of legal responsibility.
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Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor the situation and prepare for potential arrests. The legal proceedings are likely to affect political developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Citizens and analysts are closely watching the case as it unfolds, given its high-profile nature.