ISLAMABAD – Judicial authorities have issued arrest warrants for journalists Ahmad Noorani, Jameel Farooqui, and PTI leader Seemabia Tahir. The court took action after the trio repeatedly failed to appear despite multiple summons.
The cases, registered in July and August 2025, relate to alleged social media propaganda against the Pakistan Army. Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Abbas Shah approved the arrest warrants after noting the persistent absence of the suspects. Court officials described the move as a significant escalation in ongoing investigations.
The National Counter-Cybercrime and Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had already submitted challans for these cases, detailing the alleged activities of the accused. Authorities emphasized that repeated non-appearances left the court no choice but to declare them proclaimed offenders.
Earlier this year, Islamabad High Court (IHC) intervened in a related matter after journalist Ahmad Noorani’s mother filed a plea. She sought the recovery of Noorani’s two brothers, who went missing from their Islamabad residence. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the police response and summoned the city’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide a detailed report. The IGP is scheduled to appear on March 26.
Ahmad Noorani, a US-based journalist, reportedly faced scrutiny after publishing an investigative report on a high-ranking military officer and his family. His mother alleged that the brothers were “forcibly disappeared” by unidentified officials, possibly linked to intelligence agencies, as retaliation for Noorani’s reporting.
The issuance of arrest warrants highlights the seriousness of the cases and underscores the judiciary’s insistence on accountability. Legal experts noted that declaring someone a proclaimed offender is a standard procedure when repeated summons are ignored, allowing authorities to take further action if necessary.
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The situation remains tense, with human rights organizations monitoring the developments closely. Islamabad High Court continues to oversee related matters, emphasizing the need for due process while addressing concerns about enforced disappearances.
