The Office of the Principal Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a firm denial of reports that attribute comments to the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, in which the latter allegedly urged Gandapur to resign if peace is not restored in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
A CM spokesman reaffirmed the loyalty of the provincial government to the founder of PTI, stating: “Whenever Imran Khan wishes, Prime Minister Gandapur will resign.” However, he insisted that there is no authorized source confirming that Imran issued said directive regarding the resignation.
The refutation occurs a day after the media reports said that Imran urged Gandapur to renounce the failures perceived in governance, law and order. These reports suggested that the former prime minister believe that someone else should have the opportunity to direct the province.
Read: Gandapur Albega First Peace Jirga with tribal elders
The KP government reiterated that the provincial administration represents the political vision of Imran Khan. “We are guided by his trust,” said the spokesman, noting that Gandapur has publicly described his position in the KP government as “a confidence granted by Imran.”
Despite his leadership post, Gandapur has not been able to meet Imran, who is currently imprisoned in the Adiala prison. The spokesman attributed that to the lack of compliance with the visiting rights ordered by the Court.
In Jirgas and military operation
Highlighting government initiatives, the spokesman stressed the launch of regional tribal jirgas aimed at combating terrorism and restoring stability in the province. These jirgas are part of a broader strategy and directed by the community to improve the law and order.
A day before, the provincial government had initiated a series of regional jirgas aimed at restoring peace in tribal districts. During the first Jirga, held at the Main Minister’s house in Peshawar, the participants urged the federal government to facilitate a delegation that includes representatives of the KP government and the tribal elders to participate in the dialogue with Afghanistan.
Chaired by CM Gandapur, the Jirga unanimously declared that military operations and the displacement of local populations were unacceptable under any circumstances.
The tribal elders presented several key recommendations during the meeting. They emphasized that restoring peace was essential for any significant development, noting that stability would accelerate progress throughout the region. They also made it clear that no individual or group had demanded, nor has it been granted, control over the mineral resources of the province or any other asset, reaffirming its collective resolution to safeguard local resources.
