Another Major Setback for Interior Ministry as Interpol Clears Zulfi Bukhari
London: Interpol has cancelled the Red Notice issued against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Zulfi Bukhari and has formally confirmed the closure of all investigations against him. This development is being described as a major setback for Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior.
According to reliable sources, Interpol rejected Pakistan’s request for the extradition of Zulfi Bukhari. In a letter sent to his legal team, Interpol stated that the decision to cancel the Red Notice was made after a detailed review of the information and evidence provided by the Pakistani authorities.
It is recalled that around two years ago, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior approached Interpol seeking the issuance of Red Notices against Moonis Elahi and Zulfi Bukhari. Zulfi Bukhari was accused of involvement in alleged violence and terrorism-related incidents during the appearance of the PTI founder at the Judicial Complex, and he was also said to be wanted by Pakistani authorities in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Last month, Interpol had similarly confirmed the cancellation of the Red Notice against Moonis Elahi. Sources said that after examining the complaints submitted by Pakistan, Interpol found insufficient evidence and subsequently closed the investigation against him. Moonis Elahi had been accused of alleged corruption during the PTI government and of involvement in a murder case in Gujrat after leaving the country.
Sources further revealed that proceedings to issue a Red Notice against Zulfi Bukhari began in mid-2023, while the process against Moonis Elahi started nearly a year later. Under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, the Ministry of Interior had expressed its determination to bring both individuals back to Pakistan “at any cost.”
With Interpol’s latest decisions, both Zulfi Bukhari and Moonis Elahi have received significant relief, while the Interior Ministry’s efforts have suffered a serious blow. Lawyers representing both leaders were able to convince Interpol that the allegations of corruption and terrorism against their clients were political in nature and aimed at political victimization rather than genuine criminal accountability.
