Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur has been indicted in the audio leak case by a District and Sessions Court. The court suspended his arrest warrant and adjourned further proceedings until April 6.
The development came during a hearing where Gandapur appeared before the court along with his legal counsel.
The District and Sessions Courts heard the audio leak case against Ali Amin Gandapur and his co-accused Asad Farooq, indicting both in the matter.
The hearing was conducted by Additional District and Sessions Judge Nasr Minallah Baloch. Gandapur appeared in court accompanied by his lawyer, Raja Zahoorul Hassan Advocate.
During the proceedings, the court suspended the arrest warrant issued against Gandapur and terminated the advertisement proceedings related to the case.
Court questions repeated absence
During the hearing, the court inquired why Gandapur had not been appearing before the court.
Responding to the query, Gandapur said he could not attend due to the security situation and curfew, adding that roads were closed. He also told the court that his mobile phones had been taken during raids and that he had been asking about a license over the phone.
The judge remarked that it was necessary for the accused to appear in court and clarified that punishment cannot be imposed merely on the prosecution’s demand.
Long trial despite no formal charge
The court observed that the case has been under trial for a long time despite no formal charge being framed earlier.
Gandapur’s lawyer requested cancellation of the arrest warrant, after which the court canceled the warrant but directed him to ensure regular appearance in future hearings.
The judge ruled that if a similar situation arises again, an application for exemption from attendance should be filed. The court subsequently adjourned the hearing of the audio leaks case until April 6.
Gandapur speaks to media
Speaking to the media outside the court, Gandapur reflected on his party’s internal situation and broader political challenges.
He said that if the internal affairs of the party were in order, PTI Founder Imran Khan would have been out of jail. Questioning repeated political setbacks, he remarked, “Why are we failing again and again despite so much support?”
Gandapur admitted, “I am also guilty. Either our intentions are not right or there are differences among us.”
The former chief minister said party members were engaged in activities that deviated from their original purpose. He added that not only law and justice, but the entire country’s system was not functioning properly. According to him, party members were being used out of foolishness or ignorance.
“There is respect for everyone. When a leader is going through a tough time, it hurts,” he said.
Remarks on Imran Khan's situation
Gandapur stated that if he speaks in anger, people should tolerate it. He questioned how many times he had campaigned for the release of Imran Khan, adding that despite efforts, “he is still standing there.”
“Whatever I am doing, I am doing it for the founder of PTI,” he said.
He further claimed that the PTI founder is asking for a personal doctor but they are unable to provide one. “The release of Khan Sahib was a distant thing; today even a doctor is not available,” he added.
Gandapur urged supporters not to be swayed by pressure and to rely on their own strength. He also commented that if dialogue or making TikTok videos had made a difference, the current situation would not have arisen.
