Islamabad court issues non-bailable arrest warrants for KP CM in PECA case

Islamabad (Web Desk): The District & Sessions Court of Islamabad on Monday ordered the arrest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi after issuing non-bailable warrants over his failure to appear in a case linked to alleged defamatory remarks against state institutions.

The case was heard at the District and Sessions Court of Islamabad by Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah.
During the hearing, the court took notice of Afridi’s absence and decided to issue non-bailable arrest warrants. It also instructed the relevant law enforcement agencies to take him into custody and ensure his appearance before the court.

The KP CM is facing proceedings in a case filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

According to the allegations, he used electronic and online platforms to circulate misleading statements concerning state institutions, allegedly damaging their reputation.

While reviewing the progress of the investigation, the court also examined the accused’s continued failure to attend the proceedings before passing the arrest order. Authorities were directed to implement the court’s instructions and produce Afridi at the next hearing.

After completing the proceedings, the court adjourned the case until July 9 for further consideration.

The NCCIA is continuing its investigation under the relevant provisions of PECA, with further legal proceedings expected to move forward once the accused is brought before the court.