The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with an arms and liquor recovery case. This decision came after Gandapur’s request for exemption from attendance on medical grounds was denied by the court.
Civil Judge Shaista Khan Kundi, overseeing the case, has directed the Bhara Kahu station house officer (SHO) to arrest Gandapur and present him in court by tomorrow. Judge Kundi expressed frustration over Gandapur’s repeated absence, stating, “Where is the accused? The case has been called thrice since the morning, but he did not appear.”
Assistant lawyer Fatehullah Barki cited the flood situation in Peshawar as a reason for Gandapur’s absence, while Gandapur’s lawyer, Zahoorul Hasan, indicated that a medical report would be provided due to the Chief Minister’s ill health. Judge Kundi responded by highlighting the repeated delays and stated that, according to Supreme Court guidelines, cases in their final stages should not be prolonged. She criticized the lack of progress in recording statements, calling for the case to be addressed promptly.
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The judge also addressed the notion of injustice, questioning why strict measures were being taken against a chief minister whose lawyer was present. She remarked, “If there is nothing in the case, then be brave and face the court,” before expelling media representatives and adjourning the hearing until the following day.
The case stems from an October 2016 incident when Islamabad police allegedly recovered five Kalashnikov rifles, a pistol, six magazines, a bulletproof vest, alcohol, and tear gas from Gandapur’s vehicle near Bani Gala. Gandapur has denied the allegations, asserting that he was carrying two licensed Kalashnikov rifles and that the arms license was in the vehicle.
In a related development, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad held a hearing on Gandapur’s pre-arrest bail application. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, who presided over the session, reviewed a medical certificate submitted by Gandapur’s legal team, citing his illness. Gandapur’s lawyer explained that the Chief Minister had sustained an injury during a provincial visit and had been advised a week of rest. The ATC has adjourned the hearing until September 21, granting Gandapur temporary relief.
