Islamabad court issues non-bailable arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister
An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has issued an arrest warrant for Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and several leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The court also declared Umar Tanveer Butt, another PTI leader, as a “fugitive” due to his repeated absence from court.
According to Pakistani media, Gandapur is being sought in connection with a “terrorism” case related to an attack and vandalism at a judicial complex.
Earlier, Gandapur had stated that if the Pakistani government did not allow peace negotiations with the Afghan Taliban, he, as the chief minister, would guide tribal elders to initiate talks with the Taliban.
In a meeting with tribal leaders and party representatives, Gandapur remarked, “Peace in this province is dependent on a peaceful Afghanistan.”
Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s defense minister, reacted to Gandapur’s comments about negotiating with the Afghan Taliban, stressing that no province has the authority to negotiate with a foreign country. He accused Gandapur of jeopardizing Pakistan’s security.
The anti-terrorism court in Islamabad not only issued an arrest warrant for Gandapur but also rejected his bail request, issuing non-bailable warrants for him and other PTI leaders.
Meanwhile, after dozens of PTI members were arrested and taken to undisclosed locations by police, supporters of the party held protests and engaged in violent clashes with the police.
Pakistani media report that the unrest has led to road closures and widespread disruptions in parts of Islamabad.
The political instability surrounding the arrest warrants and clashes has heightened tensions in Pakistan, further polarizing the nation amidst ongoing security concerns and protests. The situation remains volatile as both legal and political challenges escalate.
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