Five Members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly (MPAs), including Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, have been formally declared absconders in terrorism-related cases registered in Islamabad.
According to court advertisements issued in two cases registered by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Islamabad, five accused have been declared absconders. Those named include Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Meena Khan, Amjad Ali, Shafiullah Jan, and Iqbal Afridi.
The court has ordered all five to appear before it within 30 days. The notice warns that failure to comply will result in further legal action under the law.
Advertisements published, legal deadline set
Official court advertisements carrying the names of the accused have been published, formally notifying them of their absconder status. The notices state that if the accused do not present themselves before the court within the given time frame, coercive legal measures will follow.
Judicial authorities said the step was taken after repeated failures by the accused to appear despite summons.
PTI MPAs facing cases
Police sources say the five absconders are part of a much larger group of PTI lawmakers facing criminal cases in the federal capital. Nearly 80% of PTI members in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly are reportedly facing cases registered in Islamabad.
Out of 92 PTI MPAs, at least 70 are currently wanted by Islamabad Police, according to official records collected by law enforcement authorities.
Charges include terrorism and killings
Islamabad Police officials say the cases involve serious charges, including terrorism provisions and alleged killings of police and Rangers personnel. Many of the cases stem from violent protests and confrontations that took place between 2022 and November 2024.
Police sources added that most of the PTI MPAs have not obtained bail from any court so far.
Sohail Afridi wanted in 11 cases
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi himself is wanted by Islamabad Police in at least 11 separate cases. These include seven cases registered under Anti-Terrorism Acts (ATAs), along with charges related to attacks on police personnel.
His declaration as an absconder marks a significant escalation, as a sitting provincial chief executive is now formally wanted in terrorism-related proceedings.
Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur faces the highest number of cases among PTI leaders. Police records show that 52 FIRs have been registered against him.
These cases were filed across 18 different police stations in Islamabad between 2022 and November 2024, reflecting the scale of legal action linked to protest activities during that period.
Case also against Asad Qaiser’s brother
In a related development, police confirmed that a case has also been registered against Aqibullah, the brother of former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser. The case was lodged at the Secretariat Police Station in Islamabad.
Officials say investigations into all related cases are ongoing.
Police officials note the irony that lawmakers responsible for legislation are themselves facing extensive legal action. Authorities maintain that the cases are being pursued strictly on legal grounds and in accordance with court orders.
Further proceedings are expected once the 30-day deadline issued to the absconding MPAs expires.
