A district court in Islamabad has ordered the arrest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi after he failed to appear before it despite repeated summons.
Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah of the District and Sessions Court Islamabad was hearing a case linking Sohail Afridi to allegations against state institutions, with the complaint centering on claims that his statements damaged the credibility of these bodies. When the chief minister once again skipped the hearing, the judge issued a non-bailable arrest warrant and directed authorities to produce him before the court.
Court Voices Displeasure Over Repeated Absence
The judge did not hide his frustration with the chief minister’s continued absence from proceedings. He made it clear that if Sohail Afridi fails to appear at the next hearing, the court will move forward with declaring him a proclaimed offender, a step reserved for individuals who deliberately evade legal proceedings.
This warning adds pressure on the KP chief minister, who now faces the prospect of formal absconder status if he continues to ignore the court’s summons.
Case Background
The legal proceedings stem from a case registered by the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency, better known as NCCIA, under the PECA Act. The agency’s case accuses Sohail Afridi of making remarks that undermined the reputation of state institutions, a serious allegation under Pakistan’s cybercrime legislation.
Since the case was filed, the chief minister has not appeared in person to respond to the charges, prompting the court to escalate its response with the latest arrest warrant.
Next Hearing Set for September
Judge Abbas Shah adjourned further proceedings until September 3, giving Sohail Afridi another opportunity to appear before the bench. Legal observers note that his response, or lack of it, at the next hearing will likely determine whether the court proceeds with declaring him an absconder.
The case is being closely watched given Sohail Afridi’s position as a sitting chief minister, making this arrest warrant one of the more significant legal developments involving a provincial government leader in recent months.
As things stand, the arrest warrant against Sohail Afridi remains active, and authorities have been instructed to ensure his appearance before the Islamabad court when proceedings resume.