Crush ATC upholds 2 arrest warrants in bad Nov 26 riot crackdown
ATC Maintained Warrants in Capital Protest Case: Legal Pressure Mounts
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad made headlines on Wednesday by refusing to dismiss proceedings against key political figures involved in the unrest of late November. In a significant ruling, the Crush ATC upholds original arrest directives, keeping strict judicial momentum against high-profile political leadership.
Judge Tahir Abbas Supra presided over the proceedings, issuing clear instructions that emphasize accountability and administrative speed. The court explicitly rejected exemption requests submitted by defense representatives for defendants who failed to physically appear, setting a firm standard for judicial compliance.
Key Figures Named in Ongoing Judicial Actions
The proceedings focus on several prominent leaders accused of involvement in unlawful assembly, arson, and public disruption.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ NOTABLE ACCUSED OFFICERS │
├──────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Target Individual │ Official Position / Status │
├──────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Sohail Afridi │ Chief Minister, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa │
│ Junaid Akbar │ Federal Lawmaker (PTI) │
│ Shafi Ullah Jan │ Party Representative │
│ Meena Khan │ Co-Accused Party Member │
│ Dr. Amjad │ Co-Accused Party Member │
└──────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The court’s decision underlines that public or official standing does not grant immunity from appearing before judicial authorities. As the Crush ATC upholds these active warrants, law enforcement officials have been instructed to finalize investigation reports and present the formal charge sheet (challan) without further delay.
Detailed Timeline of Events: From Protests to Warrant Execution
The legal actions stem from events surrounding the demonstrations called in late November, which led to widespread confrontations, blockades, and property damage in Islamabad.
PROTEST TO PROCEEDINGS TIMELINE
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[ Nov 13, 2023: Nationwide Protest Call Announced ]
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[ Nov 24–26, 2023: D-Chowk Demonstrations & Arson ]
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[ Nov 7, 2025: Police Raid K-P House to Serve Warrants ]
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[ Dec 18, 2025: Section 87 Proclaimed Offender Action ]
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[ Sep 2026: Court Rejects Exemption & Extends Warrants ]
November 2023: The D-Chowk Mass Demonstrations
Former prime minister Imran Khan issued a call on November 13, 2023, urging nationwide mobilization for November 24. Protesters gathered at D-Chowk, demanding the release of political detainees and protesting recent constitutional changes. The situation escalated into confrontations with law enforcement, ending on November 26 after security forces executed a dispersal plan. Multiple cases were registered across Islamabad police stations, including Margalla Police Station.
November 2025: Police Raids and Protective Bails
By late 2025, judicial scrutiny intensified. On November 7, 2025, an Islamabad Police team served arrest warrants directly to administration officials at K-P House. While officers found that Sohail Afridi was absent, formal notice was delivered. Shortly after, Afridi secured protective bail from the Peshawar High Court, temporarily preventing law enforcement from taking restrictive action through early December.
December 2025: Section 87 Initiated
When temporary relief periods expired without the accused appearing in court, the Crush ATC upholds the application of Section 87 under the Code of Criminal Procedure. Public notifications were affixed across official premises, warning the accused that continued non-appearance would trigger formal designation as proclaimed offenders.
Strategic Implications of Section 87 Proceedings
When defendants repeatedly miss scheduled hearings, courts implement strict procedural measures to prevent indefinite delays in the justice system.
SECTION 87 LEGAL ESCALATION
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[ Mandatory Court Summons ]
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[ Rejection of Exemption Requests ]
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[ Public Display of Section 87 Notices ]
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[ Declaration of Proclaimed Offender ]
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[ Seizure of Assets & Asset Freeze Directives ]
By enforcing these measures, the judicial bench ensures that formal trials proceed efficiently. As the Crush ATC upholds these active warrants, prosecutors gain stronger standing to request asset freezes or travel restrictions if the accused do not present themselves at the next scheduled hearing.
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Cyber Crime Wing Registers Additional Cases
Beyond the primary arson and unlawful assembly cases registered at Margalla Police Station, the accused face additional legal scrutiny from specialized enforcement bodies. Islamabad’s Cyber Crime Wing has registered two separate cases against Sohail Afridi regarding digital communication surrounding the demonstrations.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ JURISDICTIONAL CHARGE SHEET │
├──────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Prosecuting Entity │ Primary Allegation / Charge │
├──────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Margalla Police Station │ Unlawful Assembly, Arson, Public Damage │
│ Cyber Crime Wing │ Digital Incitement, Unlawful Broadcasts │
│ Anti-Terrorism Court │ Section 87 Proclaimed Offender Action │
└──────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
These overlapping cases complicate legal defenses. Each time the Crush ATC upholds standard court orders, defense teams must manage multiple appearances across separate investigative jurisdictions.
Defense Challenges and Rejection of Exemption Requests
During Wednesday’s session, defense counsel argued for temporary court exemptions, citing official commitments and administrative responsibilities. However, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ruled that statutory presence takes precedence, especially in long-standing cases where investigation deadlines have lapsed.
The ruling sent a clear signal across political legal teams. When the Crush ATC upholds police authorization to execute arrests, the risk of formal property attachment under proclaimed offender status increases significantly. Crush ATC upholds 2 arrest warrants in bad Nov 26 riot crackdown
Next Steps as Hearing Adjourns to September 30
With the court adjourning proceedings until September 30, pressure now falls directly on Islamabad Police to submit completed charge sheets. The court made it clear that continued delays in investigation reports will not be tolerated. Crush ATC upholds 2 arrest warrants in bad Nov 26 riot crackdown
Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to monitor border checkpoints, official residences, and administrative offices to ensure warrants are executed swiftly. Because the Crush ATC upholds strict legal oversight, both legal analysts and political observers view the upcoming September 30 hearing as a crucial turning point in this long-running judicial matter.
