The Islamabad District and Sessions Court has set September 4th as the date for recording the statement of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, in an illegal arms and liquor smuggling case.

During the hearing, Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi remarked that Gandapur should “be brave and record his statement” if he has nothing to hide.

The case, which dates back to 2016, has seen Gandapur repeatedly seeking exemption from court appearances. The judge expressed frustration, stating that while the Chief Minister’s busy schedule is understandable, the court also has work to do. The court requested an affidavit outlining when Gandapur would be available.

Gandapur’s lawyer, Raja Zahur ul Hassan, argued that the prosecution was showing unnecessary haste and requested a date of September 4. He claimed that Gandapur was currently attending a tribal council in District Kurram and that the court should consider his role in the case.

The judge, however, emphasized that if Gandapur is innocent, he should record his statement without hesitation.

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The court ultimately granted the request for September 4 and stated that no non-bailable arrest warrant would be issued due to the pending statement.

The case has been adjourned until September 4.

It is worth noting that in October 2016, Islamabad Police claimed to have recovered five Kalashnikov assault rifles, a pistol, six magazines, a bulletproof jacket, liquor, and three tear gas shells from a vehicle belonging to the PTI leader outside Bani Gala.

Gandapur denied these claims, stating that he was traveling with two licensed Kalashnikov rifles and that the vehicle had a license for the weapons. He also alleged that the police had confiscated a bottle of honey, which they mistook for liquor.