An Islamabad district and sessions court has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with a 2016 case involving allegations of carrying alcohol and unlicensed weapons.
On July 29, Civil Judge Shaista Khan Kundi had summoned Gandapur to provide his testimony. Despite being directed to appear on September 4 for a statement under section 342 of the criminal procedure code (CrPC), Gandapur missed five previous hearings.
Today, the judge rejected Gandapur’s request for exemption from physical appearance on medical grounds and ordered Station House Officer (SHO) Bhara Kahu to arrest Gandapur and present him in court by tomorrow.
Gandapur’s lawyers, Raja Zahoorul Hassan and Fatehullah Burki, were present in court and debated Gandapur’s absence. Judge Shaista questioned their reasons, noting the inconsistencies in their explanations. Burki cited flooding in Peshawar, while Hassan mentioned Gandapur’s illness.
The judge reminded the defense that Gandapur’s official duties do not exempt him from court appearances. Despite previous allowances for delays, the judge emphasized that cases should be decided on their merits.
Advocate Hassan expressed frustration, claiming the strict order was unjust given Gandapur’s high-profile position. The judge advised facing the court bravely if the case lacks merit and adjourned the hearing until the following day.
