KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Photo: Archive
LAHORE:
Senior PPP leaders expressed deep disappointment over Governor KP Faisal Kareem Kundi’s attempt to obstruct the resignation process of outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, warning that such undemocratic moves – in pursuit of “establishment-driven objectives” – were damaging the party’s credibility.
“We were once seen as flag bearers of democracy in Pakistan, but today we are seen as just another pawn on the establishment’s chessboard,” said a senior party figure, speaking on condition of anonymity.
He noted that Governor Kundi initially stalled the process by objecting to a “computer-typed resignation”, and when Gandapur submitted a handwritten letter to avoid further complications, “there was the issuance of two resignation letters and then questionable signatures”.
“If this was not enough, the governor used the excuse of his unavailability and non-working days,” he added.
“We were once considered custodians of law and human rights, and for us to make fun of it was a heartbreaking experience for those who have seen Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s days in the party,” he said.
He said that even in internal meetings, party members joked about the “bizarre episode,” although many privately worried about how such antics made the party look to its constituents. “Governor Kundi’s attempt to stop the resignation was nothing out of the ordinary, but the rude and almost juvenile manner in which he did it made the entire party lose face,” he said.
“We understand that the party was only following the lines given by the great director of this great reality show,” he continued, “but before doing so, the party should have at least done its homework regarding the high and, in retrospect, false claims of toppling the PTI government.”
Another relatively younger party leader, while acknowledging internal unrest, offered a more pragmatic view. “The reality is that constitutional law and human rights are now themes in the party’s manifesto. In reality, there are other considerations,” he said.
He added that the party did not want to lose favor with the establishment. “A lot of things are expected to go in our favor,” he said, suggesting that the PPP was “on the cusp of forming a government in AJK.”
“This cowardly act by the KP governor might have negatively affected the party, but the benefits of staying in the good books far outweighed the fleeting stigma of our current decision-making.”
Party leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, speaking to The Express PAkGazette, admitted that “the oath controversy was in poor taste and ideally should not have happened.”
