ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad court on Thursday declared former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender due to his continued absence from court hearings in a liquor and arms recovery case.

Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan Chishti, while hearing the case, directed that notices be published in newspapers and displayed at prominent places to ensure the accused appeared in court. It observed that Ali Amin Gandapur had failed to appear despite being summoned on multiple occasions, leaving no option but to proceed under the law.

The court declared Mr Gandapur a proclaimed offender and issued non-bailable arrest warrants against him.

During the hearing, the court was informed that two additional cases had been registered against Mr Gandapur and other accused in connection with the “Real Azadi March” at Bara Kahu police station. However, it was pointed out that in those cases, PTI founder Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Zartaj Gul, and several other co-accused had already been acquitted by the courts.

The court noted that the accused once again failed to appear, terming his continued absence a serious matter.

The magistrate observed that repeated non-appearance despite multiple opportunities constituted a violation of court orders. The court was further informed that the liquor and arms seizure case against Mr Gandapur had been registered at Bara Kahu police station, where proceedings are currently underway. The court directed the authorities to ensure immediate implementation of the order declaring Mr Gandapur a proclaimed offender. Further hearing of the cases was adjourned till February 9.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2026