Non-bailable arrest warrant issued against KP CM Gandapur

A court in the federal capital Islamabad on Wednesday issued non-bailable arrest warrant against Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), in a case involving the recovery of weapons and alcohol.

The KP chief minister requested a medical leave of absence from court appearances which was denied by the judge as well.

The Barakahu SHO was instructed by civil judge Shaista Khan Kundi to detain Gandapur and bring him before the court.

According to Judge Kundi, the case has been called thrice since the morning, and the suspect has not appeared.

Fatahullah Burki, the lawyer’s assistant, stated that the chief minister could not appear before court due to flood situation.

However, Hasan, lawyer, said that he would submit a medical report on Gandapur as he was ill.

The court judge expressing confusion over the contradicting claims replied, “You said he was not doing well while your assistant said it was due to flood that he could not appear,”.

she stated that relief had already be granted to the KP CM during the previous hearing as well proceedings were adjourned for a lengthy period.

The attorney said the acquittal plea was still pending before court to which the judge responded that if the case was nearing the end, the Supreme Court’s decision would not allow for an acquittal; instead, it would be decided based only on merit.

She continued by saying that this was the eighth time a statement is prevented from being recorded under Section 342.

The defence attorney argued that it was unfair to not grant acquittal because the suspect is a provincial chief minister. The judge however said that the suspect should have courage to go through the trial if he was innocent.

The hearing will now be held tomorrow.