ISLAMABAD (PEN) : An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with a case involving violence against law enforcement during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest held in the city on October 5, 2023.
The court also ordered the arrest of three other PTI leaders — Hammad Azhar, Saeed Sindhu, and Shehbaz Ahmed — after they failed to appear for questioning despite multiple summons issued by police investigators.
Details of the Case
According to officials, the case stems from a PTI-led demonstration in Lahore during which party workers allegedly clashed with police, leading to several First Information Reports (FIRs) being registered against top party leadership. The protest, held last year, was part of a series of political gatherings organized by PTI amid escalating tensions with the then-government.
Law enforcement agencies allege that PTI members, under the leadership of the accused, engaged in violent acts that endangered public safety and disrupted law and order.
Failure to Cooperate with Investigators
Police have stated that the suspects were repeatedly summoned to assist in the investigation, but *none of the four leaders complied* with the legal notices issued over the past several months.
“These individuals were named in multiple FIRs and were given numerous opportunities to present themselves before investigators. Their consistent non-compliance led to the court’s decision,” said a senior police official familiar with the matter.
Legal Implications
The issuance of non-bailable arrest warrants underscores the court’s intent to pursue the case under anti-terrorism laws, signaling the seriousness of the charges. Legal experts suggest that if apprehended, the accused could face detention without the option of immediate bail pending formal legal proceedings.
The case is expected to remain a high-profile legal matter, especially given the political stature of the accused, particularly Gandapur, who currently serves as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Further developments are awaited as law enforcement prepares to take action on the court orders.
