The Islamabad district and sessions court has reissued an arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur due to his absence from court on Wednesday, related to a 2016 arms and liquor case.
Origins of the 2016 Arms Case
In October 2016, during a routine inspection, Islamabad police reportedly discovered several weapons and prohibited items in Gandapur’s vehicle outside Bani Gala.
- Five Kalashnikov rifles
- One pistol with six magazines
- A bulletproof vest
- Bottles of alcohol
- Three tear gas shells
Chief Minister’s Response
Gandapur has denied the charges, claiming he had only two licensed Kalashnikov rifles with a valid arms license. He asserted that the liquor bottle contained honey and described the case as politically motivated.
Latest Court Order
Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan Chishti has ordered Gandapur’s arrest to ensure his court appearance on September 17. No representative attended the recent hearing on his behalf.
Defense Attorney’s Plea
Gandapur’s lawyer, Raja Zahoor-ul-Hassan, requested a suspension of the arrest warrant, which the judge rejected. The magistrate emphasized, “If you present the accused, I will withdraw the warrant,” highlighting Gandapur’s required presence in court.
Charges Under Penal Code
Gandapur faces charges under the Pakistan Penal Code and the Arms Ordinance, 1965, which could have significant legal consequences. These charges include:
- Section 143: Punishment for joining unlawful assembly
- Section 144: Joining unlawful assembly with a deadly weapon
- Section 145: Continuing in unlawful assembly after a dispersal order
- Section 440: Mischief causing death or injury following preparation
- Sections 13, 20, and 65: Concerning unlicensed firearms sales, transport bans, and possession of unlicensed weapons
