Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur Arrested in Islamabad



Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was taken into custody by law enforcement agencies outside the Dera Ismail Khan bench of the Peshawar High Court on Thursday. Gandapur had sought protective bail but was arrested in connection with multiple cases, including charges related to illegal arms and liquor recovery and an audio leak case linked to protests following the ouster of the PTI government in 2022.


The arrest followed the issuance of non-bailable arrest warrants by anti-terrorism and district courts due to Gandapur's repeated failure to appear before the courts despite summons. Authorities moved to detain him after he voluntarily surrendered but was considered a proclaimed offender in some cases.


PTI condemned the arrest, alleging it was a politically motivated move aimed at suppressing opposition ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The party accused security forces of forcibly entering KP House in Islamabad and using excessive force during the arrest.


Government officials justified the action as necessary to uphold law and order, especially amid heightened security concerns ahead of the SCO summit. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif linked the unrest to anti-state activities and alleged militant involvement, warning against attempts to destabilize the capital.


The Anti-Terrorism Court has maintained Gandapur’s arrest warrants and initiated procedures to declare other accused as proclaimed offenders. Gandapur’s legal team continues to challenge the proceedings, citing protective bail granted by the Peshawar High Court.


This arrest marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling establishment and PTI, reflecting deepening divisions and instability in Pakistan’s political landscape. The case will proceed with the next court hearing scheduled for mid-July.

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