ISLAMABAD: Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi on Monday summoned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief MinisterAli Amin Gandapur for recording his testimony in the case related to carrying weapons and liquor.

Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi directed him to ensure his presence on September 4 for recording statement under section 342 of the criminal procedure code (CrPC), observing that Mr Gandapur has already skipped five hearings in the case.

His counsel Raja Zahoorul Hassan adopted before the court that the case was registered in 2016, and there was no need to conclude it hurriedly.

The judge reminded him that she had already exempted CM KP from personal attendance for five times, the case is in final stages, Mr Gandapur might be busy, but the court has also bound by the duty to conclude the trial.

At this advocate Hassan assured the court that Mr Gandapur would appear to record his statement on the next date of hearing.

Subsequently, the court adjourned further proceeding till next date of hearing.

Meanwhile, the Anti Terrorism Court confirmed the pre arrest bail of PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Ali Nawaz Awan and others in the case related to violent protest outside Federal Courts Complex in March last year when former prime minister Imran Khan appeared before the court.

Since KP CM Gandapur was not in attendance, the court deferred the decision on his bail plea.

The court directed him to appear on September 4, the next date of hearing.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2024