Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Amin Gandapur has been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies. A hearing was held at Islamabad’s District and Sessions Courts in the audio leak case registered against Gandapur at Golra Police Station. During the hearing, his lawyer formally informed the court that Gandapur had already been arrested, making his appearance impossible. The case was heard by Additional District and Sessions Judge Hakim Khan Bhakar.

At the outset, Raja Zahoor Advocate appeared before the court on Gandapur’s behalf. Co-accused Farooq also appeared before the court. Defence lawyer Raja Zahoor told the court that Gandapur had intended to appear in court today in compliance with the law, but was unable to do so because he had already been arrested. During the hearing, Raja Zahoor argued that since the accused was already in custody, issuing arrest warrants again would serve no administrative or legal purpose.

The statements of witnesses could also not be recorded because of Gandapur’s absence and security concerns. The court therefore postponed the recording of witness testimony until the next hearing. The court, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned further proceedings in the audio leak case against Gandapur until 27 November. The case was registered against him at Islamabad’s Golra Police Station in connection with audio leaks and remains pending before the sessions court.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)