ISLAMABAD – July 29, 2025:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur appeared before a District and Sessions Court in Islamabad on Monday, leading to the cancellation of his arrest warrant in a case involving the alleged recovery of liquor and illegal weapons.
Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan Chishti presided over the hearing, during which Gandapur formally surrendered to the court. Following his appearance, the court not only cancelled the non-bailable arrest warrant but also withdrew the show-cause notice issued to his guarantor. The Chief Minister was subsequently allowed to leave the premises.
During the proceedings, Gandapur’s counsel, Raja Zahoor-ul-Hassan, informed the court that they were not ready to record the accused’s statement under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code. “We intend to argue on the acquittal application first, and the court has already been notified,” he stated.
When Judge Chishti asked the defense to begin their arguments, Zahoor-ul-Hassan responded, “I’m not prepared to argue today — I would need at least five hours, and adequate time to prepare.” The judge reminded him, “We do have five hours; you may proceed.” However, the lawyer insisted that such a lengthy argument required several days of preparation. He requested the court to provide an amended 342 questionnaire first, assuring that both the arguments and the statement would be submitted together once ready.
In response, the judge directed that the updated questionnaire would be handed over by 3 PM the same day.
Addressing the court, Chief Minister Gandapur explained his absence from the last hearing on July 21, citing his participation in the Senate elections. “As Chief Minister, I was also a voter,” he said.
Judge Chishti also noted that the court had previously offered the option of recording Gandapur’s statement online, to which the Chief Minister responded, “I did join the hearing virtually, but the court’s internet connection was unreliable.”
Following the exchange, the judge adjourned further proceedings until 3 PM.
