Court also says other PTI leaders found guilty of repeated absences from hearings
KP CM Sohail Afridi. Photo: File
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday upheld the arrest warrants against Sohail Afridi in a case related to the killing of a policeman 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 Justice 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 refusals to appear, the court upheld his arrest warrants and ordered law enforcement authorities to ensure his arrest and production before the court.
Learn more: Islamabad court issues arrest warrants against CM Afridi
Meanwhile, the court continued the proceedings against Swati and recorded the testimony of another prosecution witness. Following the witness’s statement, the court adjourned further proceedings until June 22.
The case was registered at Islamabad’s Noon Police Station in connection with the PTI protest on October 4, 2024, during which a police officer was killed.
Last week, the District and Sessions Court of Islamabad upheld the non-bailable arrest warrants against CM Afridi in a case related to alleged misleading allegations against state institutions and attempts to damage their reputation.
The court also ordered the authorities to arrest the accused and produce him before the court. Several arrest warrants have already been issued against the chief minister in charge of the case.
