Peshawar High Court Grants Protective Bail to PTI Leader Sheikh Waqas Akram

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) granted protective bail to Sheikh Waqas Akram, the Central Information Secretary of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), on June 26, 2025, safeguarding him from arrest in ongoing legal cases until further court proceedings. The decision was made by a two-member bench consisting of Justice Naeem Anwar and Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel, who presided over Akram's plea. During the court session, Akram, accompanied by his legal representation, expressed gratitude for the court's intervention, while also emphasizing the necessity for legal justice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, contrasting it with the judicial situations in Punjab and Balochistan.

In his statements to the media following the ruling, Akram condemned the ongoing detention of PTI founder Imran Khan, currently held in Adiala Jail, citing the denial of bail and limited access to legal counsel and family members. He described this situation as indicative of a dangerous trend that undermines the state's integrity. Akram pointed out that numerous cases against Khan, alongside the barring of senior PTI leaders from visiting him, reflect systemic issues in the political and legal landscape of Pakistan.

"The world and global organizations are watching these actions closely," Akram warned, underscoring the potential international implications of the government's approach. He reiterated PTI's longstanding demand for the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, asserting that its consequences are detrimental to the country’s legal and political framework.

Akram stated, "If this amendment is not undone, it could lead to the collapse of the entire system," highlighting the urgency of addressing what he perceives as escalating threats to democratic governance in Pakistan. The protective bail granted to Akram marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions surrounding PTI and reflects the broader struggles within Pakistan's political sphere as various factions navigate legal and constitutional challenges.

This development occurs amidst a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of the government’s actions against PTI leaders, with observers noting that the handling of these cases could have lasting impacts on political stability and public trust in the judicial system. As the situation evolves, analysts speculate that the legal outcomes for PTI leaders may shape the party's future and influence voter sentiment ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

In conclusion, the PHC's decision to grant protective bail to Sheikh Waqas Akram not only highlights the immediate legal struggles faced by PTI leaders but also raises critical questions regarding the integrity of Pakistan's judicial processes and the implications of the 26th Amendment on the country's democratic institutions.