Court also declares other PTI leaders proclaimed offenders for repeated absences from hearings
KP CM Sohail Afridi. Photo: Archive
An Anti-Terrorism Court on Monday upheld the arrest warrants of Sohail Afridi in a case related to the murder of a police officer during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest on October 4, 2024, ordering authorities to arrest him and produce him before the court.
The court of ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra also declared former opposition leader Omar Ayub, Amir Mughal, Hafeezur Rehman and other accused as proclaimed offenders due to their continued absence from the proceedings.
During the hearing, PTI leader Azam Swati appeared before the court. Noting Afridi’s repeated failures to appear, the court upheld his arrest warrants and ordered law enforcement authorities to ensure his arrest and production before the court.
Read more: Islamabad court issues non-bailable arrest warrants for CM Afridi
Meanwhile, the court continued the proceedings against Swati and recorded the testimony of another prosecution witness. Following the witness’ statement, the court adjourned the proceedings until June 22.
The case was registered at Islamabad Noon Police Station in connection with the PTI protest of October 4, 2024, during which a police officer died.
Last week, the Islamabad District and Sessions Court maintained non-bailable arrest warrants against CM Afridi in a case related to alleged misleading allegations against state institutions and attempts to damage his reputation.
The court also ordered authorities to arrest the accused and produce him before the court. Multiple arrest warrants had previously been issued for the prime minister in the case.
