An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has upheld the arrest warrants of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and declared several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders proclaimed offenders in a case related to an October 4 protest.
The case is linked to the alleged killing of a police official during the demonstration, which is being investigated under terrorism-related provisions.
The hearing was conducted by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra.
Court proceedings
During the hearing, the court maintained earlier arrest warrants issued against CM Sohail Afridi and confirmed its decision regarding several PTI leaders.
Those declared proclaimed offenders include former opposition leader Omar Ayub, along with Aamir Mughal, Hafeez-ur-Rehman and others.
The court also recorded statements from prosecution witnesses as the case progressed further.
Azam Swati appears before court
PTI leader Azam Swati appeared before the court during the proceedings, after which his trial was allowed to continue.
Authorities said the case is being pursued in connection with the October 4 protest incident registered at Noon Police Station in Islamabad.
Background of the case
According to police records, the case stems from a protest during which a police official was allegedly killed. Investigators have linked multiple political figures to the incident, leading to ongoing legal action and court proceedings.
The court’s latest order marks a further development in the high-profile case, which remains under trial.
The ATC has directed further proceedings as the trial continues, with prosecution witnesses already presenting their statements before the court.
Authorities have not yet issued final judgments in the case, and legal experts note that proceedings are expected to continue in the coming hearings.
