Court withdraws Marwat’s arrest warrant

PTI lawmaker faces allegations of unauthorised construction

RAWALPIND:

Civil Judge Dr Muhammad Mumtaz Hanjra on Friday rescinded the non-bailable arrest warrant issued against PTI leader and MNA Sher Afzal Marwat due to his absence from the hearing.

The judge approved a petition filed by Marwat's lawyers, ordering him to appear in court in person on July 30.

The firebrand PTI leader appeared in court alongside his legal team following the initial arrest warrant issued in absentia on July 13.

Advocate Syed Yasir Hussain Shah Tirmzi argued for the cancellation of the arrest warrant, highlighting that the accused is not only a respected MNA but also a former judge and senior lawyer.

The counsel emphasised that Marwat is a law-abiding citizen and no challan has been presented in court against him.

It was told that when the challan was presented in the court, the summons would be issued that's why he didn't appear in court, Tirmizi informed the court. Marwat would appear in court next time so his current arrest warrant ought to be nullified, he pleaded.

Marwat then stood before the court, guaranteeing his presence on the next scheduled date.

The court emphasised the seriousness of the case, categorising it as a criminal matter that requires attendance on every scheduled date. The judge stipulated that any conflicts or engagements must be formally brought to the court's attention through a written application.

A case was registered against Marwat by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) in the Naseerabad police station for construction without a map approval.

The court issued a notice to the Naseerabad SHO and ordered him to submit the challan of the case on the next date.