An Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad has directed the blocking of passports belonging to 24 PTI leaders linked to the violent protest that took place on 26 November 2024. The order covers several high-profile names including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Asad Qaiser, Omar Ayub, Junaid Akbar and other senior party figures.
The case stems from the large-scale demonstration organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers and leaders who were demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan. The former prime minister has remained in jail since August 2023 after facing multiple cases following his removal from office in 2022.
During the latest hearing Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain noted that official records clearly nominated the accused in the matter. The investigating officer informed the court that there was a real risk the suspects might leave the country to avoid legal proceedings. The judge observed that the allegations were serious and included attacks on state institutions as well as promotion of terrorism.
The court further remarked that many of the accused had failed to appear while those who earlier received interim bail had not joined the investigation process. Accepting the officer’s request the court ordered the Federal Investigation Agency to block the passports of all 24 individuals until further notice.
Apart from the chief minister and senior leaders the list also includes lawmakers Shehram Tarakai, Shah Ahmed, Sher Ali Arbab, Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, Dr Amjad Ali, Shahid Khattak and Zubair Wazir. Other names covered by the order are Arshad Umarzai, Zar Alam, Mian Umar, Akhtar Khan, Humayun Khan, Riaz Khan, Abdul Kabir Khan, Tufail Anjum, Asif Mehsud, Ajab Gul, Muhammad Usman, Babar Saleem Swati, Irfan Saleem, Advocate Ali Zaman and Malik Shahab.
The decision has drawn attention across political circles as it restricts the international movement of key PTI figures while the investigation continues. Officials have been instructed to implement the order without delay so that the accused remain available for legal proceedings. Citizens and party supporters are closely watching further developments in the case that continues to shape the ongoing political landscape of the country.
