ISLAMABAD:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has strongly accused the federal government of conspiring against the provincial setup, claiming attempts are underway to create a financial crisis and ultimately topple the PTI-led administration in KP.
Speaking at the KP Assembly budget session chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, Gandapur alleged that Islamabad is intentionally delaying budget-related proceedings.
He criticized the Centre for denying him a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, despite multiple requests over a period of 21 days.
“If the meeting can’t be arranged, admit that someone else is running this government,” he declared.
The chief minister stressed that consulting Khan was a democratic right, especially on matters as crucial as the provincial budget.
Allegations of Targeted Suppression
Gandapur accused state institutions of systematically attempting to dismantle PTI and eliminate its leadership.
He claimed that PTI’s mandate was stolen not only in KP but also in Punjab, Sindh, and at the federal level.
He pointed out that no Form-45s were produced and cited the Rawalpindi commissioner’s confession about result tampering in the February 8, 2024 elections.
He also accused intelligence agencies and law enforcement — including ISI, MI, and police — of abducting PTI candidates.
“They tortured candidates to force statements against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi,” Gandapur said, claiming he himself was abducted and pressured to denounce party leaders.
He further referred to letters from judges about undue pressure, saying no action was taken on their complaints.
Budget, Revenue, and Federal Neglect
According to Gandapur, KP has collected only Rs65 billion from its own resources in 76 years.
However, due to policies implemented under Imran Khan’s leadership, provincial revenue rose to Rs93 billion and is projected to reach Rs129 billion in FY 2025-26.
He expressed frustration over the federal government’s failure to release Rs43 billion under the Accelerated Implementation Programme for merged tribal districts, revealing that only Rs6 billion had been disbursed.
Gandapur emphasized that PTI holds the majority in the KP Assembly and, therefore, reserves the right to amend and pass the budget as per party policy.
He concluded by asserting that the dissolution of the KP Assembly lies solely with Imran Khan’s decision:
“As soon as he gives the order, I will dissolve the assembly without hesitation.”
