Lahore Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrants for PTI Leaders
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Synopsis
A Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants against PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur, for their alleged involvement in violent protests against the federal government. The warrants were issued after the leaders failed to respond to police summons.
Key Takeaways
- Non-bailable arrest warrants issued against PTI leaders.
- Warrants stem from protests in October 2024.
- Allegations include violence against police.
- PTI claims political victimization by the federal government.
- Gandapur vows to resist federal interference.
Lahore, April 22 (NationPress) A Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, a prominent leader of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, in connection with alleged violence against police during a protest organized by the party in October of last year.
Moreover, warrants were also issued for three additional PTI leaders — Hammad Azhar, Saeed Sindhu, and Shehbaz Ahmed. The warrants were granted following a request from the Lahore police, which claimed the leaders disregarded multiple police summons and did not cooperate with the investigation, as reported by The Express Tribune.
On October 5, 2024, the PTI conducted a significant protest in Islamabad against the federal government, accusing it of political victimization, meddling in provincial issues, and denying the party its democratic rights.
This demonstration, led by senior party members including CM Gandapur, called for the release of party founder Imran Khan, among other demands.
Amidst the turmoil in Islamabad, hundreds of PTI supporters and members were detained, leading to reports of severe conflicts and clashes across various locations.
During the protest, Gandapur faced arrest in Islamabad on allegations of misusing government assets. Reports indicated that the arrest occurred when he was poised to lead a protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad. This arrest followed the issuance of a non-bailable warrant against Gandapur by a court in Islamabad concerning illegal arms and liquor charges.
The situation escalated when the Federal Interior Minister of Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi, stated that Gandapur was not in federal custody but had chosen to go into hiding.
Gandapur re-emerged the following day, addressing the KP Assembly in Peshawar.
He criticized the federal government for targeting PTI leaders, infringing on provincial autonomy, and attempting to undermine the party's political mandate. He defended the protest actions, condemned the crackdown, and pledged to resist what he termed federal interference.
