ISLAMABAD: Although the capital police has obtained an arrest warrant for former Senate chairman Nayar Hussain Bukhari, whether or not it will be used has not been decided yet, officials said.

After a case was registered against Mr Bukhari and his official guard under sections 353, 186 and 506 of the PPC, the police approached civil judge and magistrate Jawad Hussain Adil for an arrest warrant. The judge issued the warrant on these charges in response, officials said.

On Thursday, a contingent comprising Margalla and Bhara Kahu police reached the suspect’s residence in Bhara Kahu and is stationed there.

A senior police official said on the condition of anonymity that the police have information that Mr Bukhari is present in his house and are waiting for him outside, thus far.

“Nayar Hussain Bukhari is a senior politician, affiliated with one of the biggest political parties, a former Senate chairman and influential local in his area. Under such circumstances the police cannot arrest him without proper support and backup,” he added.

The official said his arrest could create a law and order situation in the city, and a gathering of over 10,000 people could take place if the police act regarding his arrest.

In response to a question, he said after the incident due to which the case was registered, police officials left their places of duty in protest, and senior officials had no choice but to register a case and obtain a warrant for the former Senate chairman’s arrest.

“It may be eyewash to calm down the angry officials, including the head constable he slapped,” the official said.

He said following the entire ordeal, senior officers also approached the interior minister but did not receive a response. “Still, the matter is under control. But if they make an arrest without prior permission from the concerned individuals the situation could worsen and some senior officers could lose their posts,” he said.

Official statements were unavailable, as police officials were reluctant to talk about the matter.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2016