CM Ali Amin Gandapur resurfaces in KP Assembly

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur made a reappearance in the provincial assembly on Sunday after being missing for a day. He dismissed any fears of arrest during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad, asserting that he had been at the KP House the entire time.

Gandapur declared during a passionate address to the provincial assembly he was at KP house the whole night.

His disappearance occurred on Saturday amid PTI’s attempt to stage a protest in Islamabad, coinciding with the enforcement of Section 144, which restricts political activities and gatherings in the twin cities for security reasons.

The party, founded by Imran Khan, has initiated protests demanding judicial independence and the release of Khan, who has been imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for over a year.

Clashes erupted between law enforcement and PTI workers, with both parties accusing each other of initiating violence.

Earlier, the provincial assembly passed a resolution demanding the chief minister’s recovery within 24 hours.

In his address to the assembly, Gandapur remarked, “This is a historic moment as the government unites against our party.” He accused authorities of seizing their electoral symbol, abducting their members, and pressuring individuals to leave the party.

Gandapur criticized the authorities, including Islamabad IGP Nasir Ali Rizvi, for allegedly raiding the KP House and mistreating staff and women there. “It [KP House] is our property, and they fired directly at us,” he stated, labeling it an attack on provincial autonomy.

“They believed we couldn’t reach D-Chowk, but we did,” he said, expressing gratitude to PTI workers and supporters for standing with Imran Khan.

He also announced plans to file a first information report (FIR) against the Islamabad IG, asserting that he would have to apologize publicly.

KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the current administration for denying permission for public gatherings, questioning, “Why are they so afraid? We sought permission for a rally in Lahore, but they wouldn’t even let us gather at Minar-e-Pakistan. They want us to hold rallies in cattle markets.”

The assertive politician noted that authorities had informed him about a case against him but did not clarify the charges. “What crime have I committed?” he asked.

Referring to IG Rizvi as the “government’s goon,” Gandapur expressed that he would repair the damage caused during the police raid at the KP House.

He concluded his speech by urging all institutions and political parties to “reform themselves and stay true to their principles rather than seek personal gain.”