An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, as reported by Express News on Monday. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra presided over the hearing involving cases from Sangjani and I-9 police stations, which also implicated other members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
During the court session, Ali Nawaz Awan, Wasif Qayyum, and Amir Kiani appeared, while Chief Minister Gandapur and Amir Mughal sought exemption. Expressing dissatisfaction with Gandapur’s frequent absences since April 2024, Judge Supra decided to issue arrest warrants for all absent defendants.
“The situation has become a spectacle; one defendant appears while two do not. We are issuing arrest warrants for all absent defendants,” remarked Judge Supra, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. He warned that those absent on July 8 could be declared fugitives, stressing that the usual 30-day grace period for such declarations may not apply.
Judge Supra assured that the cases would proceed if they have merit, or they would be dismissed. Daily hearings are set to begin after July 8 to expedite the process.
The court denied Gandapur’s exemption plea and issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against him. Additionally, the court requested a written response from the superintendent of Adiala Jail regarding PTI founder’s potential appearance via video link, adjourning both cases until July 8.
