Pakistani Court Blocks Passports of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and PTI Lawmakers

An Islamabad anti-terrorism court has taken a significant step by ordering the blocking of passports for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi and 24 other lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. This decision, made on September 14, 2026, is part of an ongoing legal case linked to serious accusations against the officials.

Court's Rationale Behind Passport Block

Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain issued the directive after considering a request from the police. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been instructed to prevent the individuals from leaving the country, citing concerns that they may flee to escape legal repercussions. The court noted that these lawmakers are accused of serious offenses, including assaults on state institutions and inciting terrorism.

Details on the Accused Lawmakers

Among those affected by the court's order are prominent PTI figures such as Asad Qaiser, the former National Assembly speaker, and several other lawmakers, including Shahram Khan Tarakai, Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, and Dr. Amjad Ali. The investigation officer highlighted that many of the accused failed to appear for court proceedings, and those who had received interim bail had also not participated in the investigation.

Political Tensions Amidst Protests

The court's ruling comes at a time of increased political activity from the PTI, which has scheduled nationwide protests for September 27. Afridi, while mobilizing support for the protests in Punjab, alleged that he was recently targeted by Punjab Police, who he claimed assaulted him before abandoning him on the roadside. He condemned this treatment, demanding accountability from the Punjab government for their alleged actions against a provincial chief minister.

Source: www.thehindu.com