LAHORE: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Tuesday. The arrest orders come in connection with a case filed at the Manawan Police Station for allegedly damaging vehicle windows while traveling to a public gathering in Lahore’s Kahna area.
This development comes just days ahead of PTI’s planned nationwide protests on November 24, following a call from PTI Chairman Imran Khan for supporters to march to Islamabad. The party has set forth four key demands: the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, restoration of democracy and the Constitution, the return of the public mandate, and the release of all “innocent political prisoners.”
The case against CM Gandapur stems from an incident on September 24, when Lahore police filed charges under 13 provisions, including the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), following violent clashes near the Sialkot Interchange. Gandapur was en route to Lahore for a PTI rally when his convoy clashed with police and caused disruption at the event.
The PTI rally in Lahore had to be abruptly halted after the police raided the stage and shut off the microphone and lights. This forced PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, to leave the site. Authorities took action after the rally ignored the 6 pm deadline specified in the no-objection certificate (NOC) and continued beyond the agreed time.
CM Gandapur, who was leading a convoy from KP, failed to arrive by the deadline but managed to briefly address the crowd upon his arrival. His convoy reportedly included Rescue 1122 ambulances and heavy machinery to clear obstacles along the route.
Videos later emerged on social media showing Gandapur breaking the window of a truck with his rifle. Following this, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Manawan Police Station, charging Gandapur with multiple offenses, including attempted murder.
The FIR alleges that Gandapur led an armed mob at the Sialkot Interchange, where they attempted to set vehicles on fire at a toll plaza. The report claims the mob resisted police using an AK-47, and during the riot, two policemen were injured.
