Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to block the passports of 24 Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Opposition Leader Omar Ayub.
Presiding Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain issued the directive following a formal request by police in a case registered at Kohsar Police Station.
The court noted that the accused face serious allegations, including attacks on state institutions and promoting terrorism. Investigators argued that the lawmakers could attempt to leave the country to evade ongoing legal proceedings.
The ATC further observed that the nominated individuals had repeatedly failed to appear before the court and that several who obtained interim bail had failed to join the investigation, prompting the judicial order to restrict their international travel.
