Ali Amin Gandapur Declared Proclaimed Offender in Vandalism Case by ATC
In a significant legal development, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday declared Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender for repeatedly skipping hearings in a vandalism case. This decision follows his persistent absence despite multiple summons issued by the court.
The vandalism case, registered at the Hasan Abdal police station, has been under scrutiny for several weeks. During the latest hearing, the ATC officially released an advertisement declaring Ali Amin Gandapur as a proclaimed offender. Additionally, the court has set a final deadline, directing the KP CM to appear before it on January 21, 2024.
A String of Legal Troubles for PTI Leaders
This case is one of several legal challenges currently faced by Gandapur, especially in the wake of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) November 26 protest. Notably, the ATC in Rawalpindi recently indicted multiple PTI leaders, including Gandapur, in connection with the GHQ attack case.
On December 19, the court formally charged former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and 14 other PTI leaders. The charges relate to incidents of unrest that occurred during political demonstrations.
The ATC further revealed that six additional suspects involved in the GHQ attack case remain to be charged. PTI Chairman Imran Khan, who was also present in the courtroom during the hearing, was accompanied by senior leaders Shibli Faraz, Fawad Chaudhry, and Sheikh Rasheed.
Court Directives and Implications
The court’s declaration of Gandapur as a proclaimed offender is expected to have significant political and legal implications for the PTI. Legal experts highlight that Gandapur’s failure to appear in court could lead to severe consequences, including the initiation of forfeiture proceedings against him.
Moreover, the ongoing cases against PTI leaders underline the heightened scrutiny faced by the party, with many of its senior figures embroiled in legal battles following a tumultuous political period.
