ISLAMABAD: A local court on Wednesday issued non-bailable warrants for Khyber Pakh­tunkhwa Chief Min­ister Ali Amin Gandapur’s arrest in a case related to the recovery of liquor and weapons.

Civil judge Shaista Khan Kundi issued the arrest warrants as CM Gandapur was absent during the hearing of the case that was registered at Barakahu Police Station.

His counsel sought exemption from personal hearing on medical grounds. However, the judge directed the police to arrest and produce the KP chief minister before the court on Thursday (today).

At the outset of the hearing, Raja Zahoorul Hassan, the counsel for Mr Gandapur, informed the court that the KP chief minister was monitoring rescue operations in the flood-affected areas of the province. He said Mr Gandapur was not well and could not appear before the court.

Judge Shaista Kundi reminded the counsel that he had given an undertaking for his client’s appearance.

Advocate Hassan asked the judge to consider a lenient approach, saying the suspect holds the position of chief minister.

But the judge rejected the application seeking exemption for personal appearance and issued the arrest warrants.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2024