Legal proceedings have formally begun to declare Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohaib Afridi a proclaimed offender, following his repeated failure to appear before the court in a case related to the November 26 protest. The development marks another significant turn in an already tense political and legal situation involving multiple figures from the province.
According to details emerging from Islamabad, Judge Abu-ul-Hasanat Zulqarnain of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) approved the request to initiate the process of declaring Chief Minister Sohaib Afridi a proclaimed offender. The application was submitted by Inspector Abdul Qadir of Police Station Noon, who informed the court that the accused individuals, including the chief minister, had continuously ignored summons issued by the court.
The case in question stems from an FIR registered after a protest held on November 26. The FIR names Sohaib Afridi along with several others for their alleged involvement in the demonstration, which authorities claim involved violations serious enough to fall under provisions handled by the Anti-Terrorism Act. Officials say that the repeated absence of the accused from court proceedings has compelled the authorities to escalate the process to the next legal stage.
The ATC judge stated that the court was satisfied that the accused individuals were “deliberately avoiding arrest” and evading legal procedures. Such an assessment is a key requirement for a court before initiating proclamation proceedings—an action typically taken when the accused is deemed to be intentionally absconding.
Apart from the chief minister, two other individuals—Meena Afridi and Dr. Amjad—are also facing similar proceedings. The police have requested the court to declare them proclaimed offenders as well, citing the same pattern of non-appearance. The initiation of these proceedings broadens the legal scope of the case, indicating that authorities are now pursuing a more assertive approach against all accused parties involved.
Inspector Abdul Qadir’s application emphasized that multiple notices and summons were issued over the past several weeks. Despite these repeated attempts by the court to secure their presence, none of the accused turned up for the scheduled hearings. Under Pakistani law, when an accused person does not appear despite explicit court directions, the court may order proclamation proceedings, which can later lead to attachment of property and further legal consequences if non-compliance continues.
Legal experts note that the decision carries significant implications, both for the political landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and for the administrative functioning of the province. It is extremely rare for a sitting chief minister to be subjected to such proceedings by an anti-terrorism court, and the case is expected to draw national attention as it progresses. The development may also add pressure on the provincial government, already navigating a complex environment marked by political tensions and security concerns.
The initiation of proclamation proceedings does not immediately declare the accused a proclaimed offender; rather, it begins a formal legal process. The court will now issue public notices, typically published in newspapers and displayed at prominent locations such as the accused’s residence, offices, and the local police station. These notices instruct the accused to appear before the court within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply within that period allows the court to officially declare the individual a proclaimed offender, after which law enforcement agencies can take additional actions.
Political analysts believe that this case may have deeper political undercurrents, given the high-profile position of Sohaib Afridi. The November 26 protest, for which the FIR was registered, reportedly involved charged political gatherings, and some observers argue that the proceedings may escalate tensions between the provincial government and federal authorities. However, legal officials maintain that the current action is purely based on procedural requirements and the consistent absence of the accused.
Meanwhile, supporters of the chief minister argue that the proceedings are excessive, claiming the protest was peaceful and that the charges are politically motivated. Government critics, on the other hand, view the court’s move as a necessary step to uphold rule of law and to ensure that no officeholder appears to be above legal scrutiny. The contrasting narratives underscore the political sensitivity surrounding the case.
As the proclamation process begins, the next steps will depend on whether the accused—including Chief Minister Sohaib Afridi—choose to appear before the court. Their decision could influence not only the legal outcome but also the public perception of the case. If they continue to avoid the proceedings, the court is empowered to move toward the next legal phase, which may also involve actions relating to the seizure of movable or immovable assets.
For now, the Anti-Terrorism Court’s order signals a firm stance: the accused must comply with the law and follow court directives, regardless of their political position. Authorities will be watching closely in the coming days to see how the accused respond to the proclamation notices and whether the situation escalates further.
