In a dramatic turn of events, the Islamabad court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, heightening tensions amid the ongoing protests led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The warrants were issued in connection with an illegal arms and alcohol recovery case, as Gandapur failed to appear in court. Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hussain Zaidi ordered the chief minister’s arrest, directing law enforcement to produce him before the court by October 12.
PTI’s Claims and the Arrest Attempt
The PTI alleged that Rangers personnel forcefully entered KP House in Islamabad on Saturday to arrest Chief Minister Gandapur, who had arrived in the capital for the party’s protest against the federal government. According to PTI, despite having been granted protective bail by the Peshawar High Court until October 25, Rangers aggressively attempted to detain Gandapur at the residence. The party condemned the action as an abuse of power, labeling it a move to push the country toward anarchy.
The PTI’s official post on X (formerly Twitter) stated:
“Rangers have forcefully entered KP House and launched an aggressive attack in an attempt to arrest CM KPK Ali Amin Gandapur. This blatant abuse of power is deeply shameful, raising serious concerns about the state of lawlessness in Pakistan.”
The Rangers’ entry into KP House and subsequent raid sparked outrage within the PTI, who accused authorities of resorting to such extreme measures to suppress political opposition and retain power.
Protests and Escalating Tensions
As PTI supporters continued their protests across Pakistan, the situation in Islamabad remained tense, particularly after Gandapur’s arrest attempt. The party has been actively protesting for the release of its chairman, Imran Khan, and other party leaders, with key protests occurring at D-Chowk in the capital.
Roads leading into Islamabad from Rawalpindi were blocked, and mobile services in the area were down due to the unrest. Police and Rangers had earlier clashed with PTI supporters, using tear gas to disperse crowds. PTI, meanwhile, vowed to continue its demonstrations, accusing the government of pushing the country toward chaos.
Background on the Arrest Warrant
Earlier in the day, the Islamabad District and Sessions Court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Gandapur due to his failure to appear in court regarding a case registered at the Barakahu Police Station. The case involves the recovery of illegal arms and alcohol from Gandapur’s possession, a charge the chief minister has yet to address in court. The warrants were issued shortly before the arrest attempt at KP House.
The court has ordered law enforcement to produce Gandapur by October 12, marking a crucial date in the political and legal confrontation between PTI and state authorities.
PTI’s Response and Future Plans
Following the attempted arrest and escalating tensions, PTI has continued its rhetoric against what it sees as a crackdown on political dissent. The party plans to hold additional protests in Lahore and other cities across the country, condemning the arrest attempt as a violation of constitutional rights.
With the next court hearing scheduled for October 12, it remains to be seen how this political standoff will unfold, especially with PTI’s continued mobilization of supporters and the rising tensions between the party and the government.
The Islamabad court’s issuance of non-bailable warrants against KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has added fuel to an already volatile political situation. As PTI protests intensify, the government’s measures, including the use of Rangers and police, appear to be pushing the political divide to a breaking point. The coming days will be crucial as PTI vows to continue its struggle, and law enforcement prepares to produce Gandapur in court.
Afsheen Gohar believes in the power of clear, straightforward writing. Her blog posts tackle everyday topics with relatable insights and easy-to-follow advice. With a conversational style, she makes complex subjects feel understandable. She’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering readers to take action. Find her latest posts on trending in social.
