Islamabad Court Orders Arrest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister

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An Islamabad district and sessions court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant on July 19, 2025, for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in a long-standing case involving illegal arms and liquor recovery, highlighting tensions between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government and federal authorities. The court rejected Gandapur’s plea for exemption from appearance, ordering his arrest by July 21.

The case, dating back to October 2016, stems from allegations that police recovered five Kalashnikov rifles, a pistol, and a bottle of liquor from a vehicle linked to Gandapur near Bani Gala, as reported by Daily Times. Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan Chishti, presiding over the hearing, expressed frustration over the case’s eight-year delay, noting that prosecution witnesses have been recorded since May 2024. “The accused has been given one final chance to record his statement under Section 342,” the judge stated, warning that a verdict could be issued in Gandapur’s absence if he fails to appear, according to Dawn. The court clarified that a prior Peshawar High Court (PHC) ruling granting interim bail until July 3 does not bar the issuance of arrest warrants.

Gandapur, a fiery PTI leader, faces mounting legal challenges amid his party’s escalating “do-or-die” protest movement, launched to demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, as noted by Minute Mirror. The timing of the warrant, issued days after Gandapur announced nationwide protests, fuels speculation of political targeting by the federal government, a narrative that resonates with centre-right audiences skeptical of establishment overreach. The court’s order to the Station House Officer (SHO) emphasizes immediate compliance, signaling a hardline stance against the KP chief minister.