In a significant development, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has given the green light for the issuance of a red warrant for Zulfi Bukhari, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former federal minister for overseas Pakistanis. This decision marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing legal proceedings against Bukhari, who has been residing abroad.
The Ministry of Interior issued a directive to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to formally request the Interpol Secretariat in France to issue the red warrant for Zulfi Bukhari. The request is part of a concerted effort to arrest and extradite him to Pakistan. Bukhari is facing allegations related to a case registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Golra police station on March 18.
Case Origins
The case against Zulfi Bukhari stems from his participation in PTI’s “Jail Bharo Tehreek,” which commenced on February 22. During this protest, he was the first to court arrest on behalf of the party. However, he subsequently left the country, resulting in legal complications.
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The protest led to the surrender of 47 PTI workers and leaders to the police, who were then taken to Adiala jail and later transferred to Shahpur jail in Sargodha. Rana Sanaullah, the former interior minister and a prominent figure in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), alleged that Zulfi Bukhari and two other PTI leaders departed the country as part of a conspiracy. In response, Bukhari vehemently denied these claims and criticized Sanaullah’s allegations.
Zulfi Bukhari Responds to Accusations
In response to Rana Sanaullah’s allegations, Zulfi Bukhari stated, “I’m putting up my departure details and the airport. I left for business and was scheduled to return on 6th May. It doesn’t take this much effort and airtime to figure it out.” He found it amusing that the former minister was attempting to portray his departure as a major conspiracy.
As the issuance of a red warrant progresses, this legal battle continues to generate attention and speculation. The case has not only become a matter of legal significance but also a topic of political discussion in Pakistan. Zulfi Bukhari’s return to the country to face the allegations against him remains a key point of interest as the legal proceedings move forward.