Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur did not appear in court in the case concerning the recovery of weapons and alcohol. Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi remarked that Gandapur had sought exemption from attendance five times to record his statement under Section 342.
Court’s Remarks and Exemptions
Magistrate Shaista Kundi emphasized that if there is nothing against him, Gandapur should show courage and record his statement under Section 342. She noted that while the Chief Minister may have many engagements, the court also has its duties. She suggested that Gandapur provide an undertaking specifying when he will appear in court. Gandapur’s lawyer requested a date of September 4, citing the Chief Minister’s participation in a Jirga in the Kurram district. The court directed Gandapur to ensure his presence for the statement and adjourned the hearing until September 4.
Further Developments in Related Cases
Additional Sessions Judge Abdul Ghafoor Kakar granted Gandapur’s request for exemption from attendance in the audio leak case and postponed the hearing to September 14. Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra confirmed the bails of Ali Nawaz Awan, Shibli Faraz, Omar Ayub, Umar Sultan, and Colonel (Retired) Asim in the Judicial Complex attack case. At the same time, Gandapur’s hearing was also adjourned to September 4 due to his absence.
Other Court Proceedings
During the hearing of a case registered at the Sangjani police station, Asad Qaiser filed an exemption request from attendance. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra remarked that a similar request from Gandapur had been rejected, resulting in the issuance of warrants. The judge indicated he would issue an order on this matter and adjourned the hearing to September 5.
Judicial Proceedings and Future Hearings
In another case related to the recovery of weapons and explosives, Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra of the Anti-Terrorism Court sent PTI’s International Media Coordinator, Ahmad Waqas Janjua, to judicial custody and issued notices for a bail hearing on August 1. These proceedings highlight the ongoing legal challenges prominent PTI members face and underline the court’s insistence on accountability and adherence to legal procedures.
The court’s insistence on Gandapur’s attendance and the adjournments granted highlight the ongoing judicial scrutiny faced by PTI leaders. The upcoming hearings are expected to shed more light on these cases and determine the course of legal proceedings.
