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ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP): The court of Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hasan Chishti on Tuesday maintained the arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur after his statement under Section 342 could not be recorded in an ongoing case involving alleged possession of liquor and illegal weapons.
The case, registered at Bhara Kahu police station, was scheduled for hearing, but Gandapur did not appear in person. His lawyer, Raja Zahoor-ul-Hasan, informed the court that the Chief Minister was engaged in official duties due to heavy rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The lawyer assured the court that Gandapur was ready to record his statement via video link at 3 PM.
However, when the court reconvened in the afternoon, the court staff was unable to establish a stable internet connection despite repeated attempts. As a result, the statement could not be recorded, and the judge decided to continue with the arrest warrants against Gandapur.
Earlier in the proceedings, Gandapur’s lawyer questioned the court’s earlier orders and argued that they should be allowed to present the statement via video link. He challenged the court, asking under what law Gandapur’s right to record his statement under Section 342 could be denied if they failed to comply. The lawyer argued, “This is not Emperor Akbar’s court where decisions were made on whims.”
Judge Chishti responded that his written orders clearly explained the procedure. He also emphasized that the court was equipped with its own LCD and video facilities, eliminating the need to connect elsewhere.
After the interruption caused by technical issues, the court issued further directives stating that Gandapur would be given another opportunity to record his statement either in person or via video link. The judge also reminded the defense that a show-cause notice had already been issued to Gandapur for his absence and instructed him to submit a written reply.
The court reiterated that the arrest warrants for Gandapur would remain valid until his statement is recorded. The next hearing has been scheduled for July 24, when the Chief Minister is expected to comply.