PESHAWAR:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reappeared on Sunday at the provincial assembly after nearly a day of tensions. His sudden disappearance during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led protest in Islamabad sparked confusion and concern. Gandapur vanished while leading a PTI convoy on October 5, last seen near China Chowk.
This unexpected absence prompted the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to pass an urgent resolution. Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam condemned the raid on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad and demanded Gandapur’s immediate release. PTI leaders, including Asad Qaiser, issued a 24-hour ultimatum. They warned of nationwide protests if Gandapur was not freed.
However, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi later clarified that Gandapur was not in the custody of any federal agency. He stated that Gandapur went into hiding voluntarily. Naqvi’s statement did little to resolve the confusion.
A Defiant Speech
Upon his return to the assembly, Gandapur delivered a defiant speech. He accused the federal government of undermining the will of the people. “They are trying to erase a historic chapter,” he said, referring to the PTI’s political achievements. He also criticized the treatment of PTI members, saying they were not allowed to run a proper election campaign.
Gandapur questioned how the opposition secured votes, pointing out that PTI had received over 4.5 million votes. He expressed outrage over the raid on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, calling it an attack on the province’s autonomy. “What gives them the right to shell and fire upon our property?” he asked.
He also accused the government of blocking PTI rallies. “They wouldn’t even let us hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan,” he said. He ended with a message of defiance, claiming, “This is not just about PTI; it’s about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s place in the federation.”
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Despite Gandapur’s reappearance, tensions remain high. PTI leaders continue to accuse the federal government of destabilizing the province. They have threatened nationwide protests if further action is taken against the party.
Attaullah Tara’s Criticism
On the other side, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized Gandapur’s actions. Tarar called him “irresponsible” and accused him of orchestrating political drama. In a video message, Tarar claimed that Gandapur abandoned his followers during the protest. He questioned Gandapur’s whereabouts during the 24 hours of his disappearance.
Tarar also criticized PTI for falsely claiming that Gandapur had been abducted. “Lies have no legs,” he said, adding that PTI’s claims had been exposed as false. He accused the party of trying to destabilize the country and creating chaos.
Tarar pointed to previous incidents of violence, such as the May 9 protests. He emphasized that evidence against Gandapur and other PTI leaders is on record. He concluded by stating that PTI’s plans had failed, and Pakistan’s economy was improving.
As political tensions rise, both sides remain firm in their accusations. PTI continues to push back against the government, while the federal ministers maintain that the opposition’s efforts to destabilize the country have been thwarted.
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