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An Islamabad court has once again ordered the arrest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi after he failed to appear in proceedings related to a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The order was issued on Thursday by Civil Judge Abbas Shah, who was hearing a case concerning allegations that the chief minister made remarks against state institutions through electronic platforms.
During the hearing, the court noted that Afridi had not appeared despite being summoned. As a result, the judge upheld the previously issued non-bailable arrest warrants and directed law enforcement authorities to ensure his arrest and present him before the court at the next hearing.
According to court records, the case was filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under Pakistan’s cybercrime law. Investigators allege that statements attributed to the chief minister violated provisions of the PECA Act, leading to the initiation of legal proceedings.
The prosecution told the court that the accused is legally required to appear and respond to the allegations, while the defence did not secure his attendance during the latest hearing.
The case has drawn significant public attention because it involves a serving provincial chief minister facing proceedings under Pakistan’s cybercrime legislation.
Following Thursday’s proceedings, the court adjourned the matter until July 21, while the non-bailable arrest warrants remain in force. Authorities have been directed to implement the court’s orders before the next hearing.
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