Non-bailable arrest warrant issued for PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has ordered the blocking of passports belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Omar Ayub and Zartaj Gul in connection with the Sangjani rally case. The court also issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram.
Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra’s directives
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra issued the directives during a hearing on Tuesday, instructing authorities to submit a compliance report after blocking the leaders’ passports. The court adjourned the proceedings till December 3.
The order adds to the growing legal troubles for PTI’s top leadership, as founder Imran Khan and senior leaders including Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Yasmin Rashid remain incarcerated in various cases, including the May 9 riots.
Background of the Sangjani rally case
The case pertains to a PTI power show held in September 2024 near Sangjani, Islamabad, aimed at pressing for Imran Khan’s release from Adiala Jail. Last month, the same court had issued arrest warrants for Ayub, Gul, and Akram for failing to appear before the court despite repeated summons.
Contempt notice over meeting with Imran Khan
Separately, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the home secretary, Adiala Jail superintendent, and other officials following a contempt plea filed by PTI’s Salman Akram Raja. He claimed authorities failed to facilitate his meeting with Khan despite court orders.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir questioned how Raja could assist his client without being allowed access. The court sought explanations from the assistant attorney general and adjourned the hearing after issuing notices to all relevant parties.
