Non-Bailable Arrest Warrant Issued Against Pakistani Chief Minister
The warrant was issued in connection with a cybercrime case. According to the allegations, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi made misleading remarks regarding state institutions, tarnishing their reputation. The case was registered with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The court stated that the Chief Minister failed to appear despite multiple summons. Due to his consistent absence and perceived attempt to evade the legal process, the court took this step. Previously, on January 4, a similar warrant was issued in the same case. The next hearing is scheduled for February 10.
Other Legal Challenges: In addition to the cybercrime case, Sohail Afridi is facing several other legal proceedings. An anti-terrorism case has been filed against him for his role in the November 26 protests in Islamabad. He also faces a case in the Election Commission for allegedly violating the code of conduct during a by-election. However, the Peshawar High Court has instructed the Election Commission not to take any final action in that matter for now.
The Chief Minister's counsel argued that the statements in question were made outside the electoral constituency and were part of statewide development project announcements.
