Afridi faces multiple FIRs and arson charges linked to the protests, and separate cybercrime cases are ongoing
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Photo:X
The Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad on Thursday initiated offender proceedings against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and several other accused.
By order of the court, summons notices for the accused were posted in several locations, including at the court complex, ordering them to appear in court.
The notices name Sohail Afridi, Meena Khan, Amjad Khan, Shafi Ullah Jan and Amjad Afridi, directing them to appear before the court. According to the notices, the defendants have either failed to comply with court orders or are absconding, prompting the court to take legal action.
The court stressed that this would be the last opportunity for the accused to appear in court.
He said if the accused fail to appear during the proceedings under Section 87, they will be declared offenders and other legal action will follow.
Read: Imran’s sisters and others charged with terrorism
According to police records, several FIRs have been filed against Sohail Afridi at Islamabad police stations. The ATC issued arrest warrants for Afridi in November in a case involving alleged arson during the November 26 protest. The Islamabad cybercrime wing has registered two separate cases against Afridi.
Sohail Afridi was granted protective bail by the Peshawar High Court until December 9, barring his arrest during that period.
D-Chowk Protest
On November 13, 2023, Imran Khan made a “final call” for nationwide protests on November 24, demanding the restoration of the PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of imprisoned party members and the repeal of the 26th Amendment, which he said had strengthened a “dictatorial regime”.
The protest took place at D-Chowk, Islamabad, where supporters came from different provinces to respond to Khan’s call.
The authorities ruled out any negotiations and the police launched an operation to disperse the participants. PTI leaders left the scene during the action. The protest ended after the security operation on November 26.
