Islamabad – Non-bailable arrest warrants have been reissued for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, escalating tensions between the provincial government and the federal authorities. The warrants stem from remarks made by Afridi deemed critical of state institutions, according to court documents and reports from multiple news outlets.
The legal action against Afridi comes amid growing political instability and follows his recent announcement of the formation of a “Free Imran Khan Force” aimed at securing the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This move has drawn sharp criticism from within his own party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and a strong warning from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who suggested Afridi’s position as chief minister could be at risk. The situation highlights deepening divisions within the PTI, not only regarding strategy for Khan’s release but also concerning the party’s overall direction.
Court Upholds Arrest Warrants
An Islamabad court upheld the non-bailable arrest warrants during a recent hearing, citing Afridi’s alleged violation of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The specific nature of the remarks that led to the warrants has not been fully detailed in initial reports, but they reportedly involved criticism of state institutions. The Express Tribune reported that the court maintained its stance on the warrants following a review of the case.
The issuance of these warrants adds another layer of complexity to an already fraught political landscape. Afridi’s “Free Imran Khan Force” proposal, intended to mobilize support for Khan’s release, has been met with internal resistance within the PTI. PTI leaders have expressed concerns that the employ of the word “force” could be misconstrued and used to portray the party as advocating violence, potentially echoing the unrest seen during the May 9 riots. Ali Muhammad Khan, a PTI leader, cautioned against the dangers of violence becoming intertwined with political movements, referencing past instances with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Pakistan Peoples Party.
Defence Minister Warns of Consequences
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has directly warned that Afridi’s position as chief minister is “under threat” due to the formation of the “Release Imran Khan Force,” deeming the initiative unconstitutional and illegal. Asif’s statement, reported by Geo News, underscores the seriousness with which the federal government views Afridi’s actions.
The move to form the force followed an announcement made by Afridi at a rally in Mardan on January 24, 2026. The announcement reportedly caught many within the PTI off guard, with PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram stating he first learned of the proposal when Afridi publicly announced it. Akram questioned the necessity of a fresh force given the existing structures within the party, such as the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) and PTI Youth Wings.
ECP Scrutiny and Broader Political Context
The legal challenges facing Afridi extend beyond the PECA case. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is also scheduled to hear cases against four PTI lawmakers today, including potential allegations of violating election laws. Business Recorder reports that these hearings are part of a broader scrutiny of PTI members’ conduct.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has adjourned hearings related to Imran Khan’s Toshakhana, cipher, and defamation cases indefinitely. The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in connection with these cases.
The unfolding events raise questions about the future of the PTI and the stability of the political climate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The arrest warrants for Afridi, coupled with the internal divisions within the PTI and the scrutiny from federal authorities, suggest a period of heightened political tension is likely to continue. The next steps will likely involve Afridi’s legal team challenging the warrants and further deliberations within the PTI regarding its strategy for securing Imran Khan’s release.
What comes next will depend on Afridi’s response to the arrest warrants and the outcome of the ECP hearings. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with your networks.
