Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, appeared in court in the case related to the recovery of weapons and liquor. Following his appearance, the court canceled the arrest warrants issued against him.
The hearing took place at the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad, where the case of arms and liquor recovery against Gandapur was being heard. The court also withdrew the show-cause notice earlier issued to his guarantor.
Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan Chishti presided over the hearing. Lawyer Raja Zahoor ul Hassan stated that they would not record their statement under Section 342 today and requested the court to first hear the arguments on the acquittal plea, as per the existing court order.
Judge Chishti responded by inviting the counsel to begin the arguments, but the defense lawyer replied that he could not present the arguments today and would need at least five hours. The judge then informed that the questionnaire under Section 342 would be provided by 3 PM.
Ali Amin Gandapur stated that he could not appear on the 21st because of the Senate elections, during which he was present with the Chief Minister as a voter. Judge Chishti noted that he could have submitted his statement online. Gandapur replied that he had joined the hearing online, but there were internet issues at the court. The court then permitted him to leave and adjourned the hearing till 3 PM. Gandapur was present in court alongside his lawyer. The case is registered at Bara Kahu Police Station.
Speaking to the media outside the Islamabad District Courts, Ali Amin Gandapur said that the law is not active in this country, and it is the founder of PTI who is fighting against the current situation. He said that these false and fabricated cases had been ongoing for a long time.
He added that they have always presented themselves before the law, and such hearings do not scare them. He announced that on August 5, people from every district and constituency will take to the streets.
He further said that this case against him has been pending since 2016 and holds no substance. Weapons and bottles were falsely linked to him in this case. At the time the case was filed, he was neither present at the location nor did the vehicle belong to him.
Gandapur accused the authorities of deliberately delaying these cases. He said their struggle is for the truth, and they will be the ones to succeed. He affirmed that he would lead the protest in his province.
