An Islamabad anti-terrorism court has taken formal steps to compel the appearance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and two others, initiating proclamation proceedings after they repeatedly ignored non-bailable arrest warrants in a case linked to a November 2024 protest. Main Developments ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra reviewed a police progress report on Friday and ordered the proclamation process against Afridi, PTI leader Junaid Akbar, and Abdul Ghani Afridi. The report, submitted through the Deputy Inspector General of Islamabad police, confirmed the investigation into the case is complete. Police stated that non-bailable arrest warrants were issued on June 23, 2026, but could not be executed despite repeated efforts. The three accused have consistently failed to appear before the court, prompting the legal escalation. Read also: 4 Key Regions Bracing for Heavy Rains as Monsoon Intensifies Once the proclamation process finishes, authorities plan to finalize the challan under Section 173 of the CrPC. The challan will be submitted immediately after completing the required legal formalities, according to the police report. Background The case originates from a protest on November 26, 2024, which led to an FIR at Margalla police station against Afridi and other demonstrators. Law enforcement launched an investigation but faced judicial scrutiny for repeatedly failing to submit the challan. The court had previously issued a notice seeking an explanation for the delay in filing charges. Police defended their efforts, asserting no negligence or unnecessary delay occurred during the investigation or in attempting arrests. Why It Matters Proclamation proceedings represent a significant legal step, signaling the court's determination to enforce compliance from high-profile political figures. The case underscores tensions between provincial leadership and federal judicial processes, particularly regarding accountability for protest-related incidents. Failure to appear could lead to further legal consequences, including property attachment or arrest orders. What's Next The court adjourned proceedings until September 9, allowing time for the proclamation process to conclude and the challan to be submitted. Police must demonstrate the completion of all legal steps before the case can move forward. The accused remain subject to arrest warrants, and their next court appearance will be closely watched.