ATC warns of declaring Gandapur, others 'absconder' over failure to appear

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has warned that it will declare Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and other suspects as "absconders" for failing to appear before the court. This warning was issued by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra during the hearing of cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and other party leaders, related to alleged vandalism and violation of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) at Sangjani and I-9 police stations.

**Key Points from the Hearing:**

1. **Attendance and Exemption Requests:**
   - PTI leaders Faisal Javed Khan, Ali Nawaz Awan, Wasiq Qayyum, Aamer Kiani, and other suspects appeared before the court.
   - Exemption pleas were filed by KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI leader Amir Mughal.
   - Judge Supra rejected the exemptions, emphasizing that being out of the city is not a valid reason for failing to appear in court.

2. **Non-Bailable Warrants:**
   - Judge Supra announced the issuance of non-bailable warrants for all absentee suspects, highlighting the responsibility of the suspects to appear in court.

3. **Warning of Being Declared "Absconders":**
   - The judge warned that suspects failing to appear on July 8 would be declared "absconders," noting that it is not necessary to wait 30 days to make such a declaration.

4. **Proceeding with Cases:**
   - Judge Supra stated that cases would proceed based on their merit and could be disposed of if found baseless.
   - The judge emphasized the need to conclude these cases, implying that it would be beneficial for the suspects.

5. **Video Link Appearance:**
   - The court sought a written reply from the Superintendent of Adiala jail regarding the possibility of Imran Khan appearing via video link.

The court adjourned the hearing till July 8 and announced that the cases would be heard daily from the next hearing.