Islamabad’s District and Sessions Court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The court directed authorities to immediately take him into custody. The orders were issued after Afridi repeatedly failed to appear in a case involving misleading statements against state institutions.
The case was registered by the National Counter Terrorism Authority under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah conducted the hearing and reviewed evidence related to Afridi’s alleged actions. The court stressed that public officials must comply with legal procedures, regardless of their position or office.
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Authorities have been instructed to ensure Afridi’s appearance in court without delay. The judge highlighted the seriousness of ignoring summons and warned of strict legal consequences. Court officials said the move reflects the judiciary’s firm stance on accountability.
The hearing was adjourned until February 10 to allow time for the arrest orders to be executed. Lawyers noted that non-compliance could lead to further legal action, including contempt of court charges. The case has drawn national attention due to Afridi’s high-profile position.
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Experts say this case highlights the growing enforcement of PECA provisions in Pakistan. They also emphasized that public figures can no longer avoid accountability, strengthening the legal system’s credibility. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in the future.