The Anti-Terrorism Court in federal capital issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI leader Amir Mughal after rejecting their exemption pleas in cases registered against them in Islamabad police stations.
Judge Tahir Abbas Supra issued the warrants after hearing the cases registered in Sangjani and I-9 police stations Ali Nawaz Awan, Waseem Qayyum, Amir Kiani, and other accused appeared in court, while KP chief minister and Amir Mughal sought exemption from appearance in the case.
The judge remarked that requests for exemption from attendance could not be accepted. He rejected an argument that the suspects could not appear in court as they are outstation.
When asked who is responsible for ensuring their attendance, PTI lawyer replied it is the suspects’ responsibility. At which, the judge stated that non-appearing accused will face arrest warrants.
Judge Tahir Abbas Supra further stated that non-bailable arrest warrants are being issued against all absent accused. He warned of declaring the suspects, skipping court hearings, absconders if they fail to appear during next hearing, scheduled for July 8.
The court also sought a written response from the superintendent of Adiala Jail regarding appearance of Imran Khan via a video link in the case.
