ISLAMABAD(The COW News Digital ) Authorities have decided to accelerate the enforcement of existing arrest warrants against several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders following the arrest of former Punjab finance minister Hammad Azhar, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The development could lead to the arrest of several PTI figures facing judicial warrants in connection with multiple cases, including those registered over the November 2024 protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk.
Sources said authorities would move forward with warrants already issued against PTI leaders in different cases rather than initiating a new legal process.
Among those reportedly facing enforcement of warrants are Junaid Akbar and Abdul Ghani, who are wanted in cases linked to the D-Chowk protest. Judicial warrants issued in cases involving the Judicial Complex in Islamabad against Shibli Faraz, Murad Saeed and Hammad Azhar are also expected to be acted upon, sources said.
Several other PTI leaders are also reportedly wanted in cases registered in Islamabad. They include Zartaj Gul, Aamir Masood Mughal, Dr Amjad Ali and Meena Khan Afridi.
Sources further said legal proceedings against Ali Amin Gandapur and Umar Tanveer Butt in connection with a Faizabad protest case would also be taken forward.
The reported move comes amid continued legal proceedings against PTI leaders over protests and demonstrations held in Islamabad and other parts of the country.
According to sources, any arrests would be carried out on the basis of existing first information reports (FIRs) and court-issued warrants. Islamabad Police has reportedly been instructed to execute the warrants in accordance with the law.
The development may increase political tensions between the government and PTI, particularly as several party leaders continue to face legal proceedings related to protest cases.
Authorities have yet to publicly announce a comprehensive list of warrants that will be enforced or provide details about the timing of any possible arrests.
The latest development follows Hammad Azhar’s arrest and could mark a renewed phase of action against PTI figures facing pending warrants in various cases.
Legal experts note that the execution of arrest warrants remains subject to the relevant court orders and applicable legal procedures.
