KP Government Denies Allegations of Deal Involving Gandapur

The political landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been stirred by the recent events surrounding Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Following a protest in Islamabad, questions arose regarding his hours-long "absence" from the public eye. This situation has led to rampant speculation and conspiracy theories, with many wondering if there was a secret "deal" between Gandapur and various institutions. However, the KP government has firmly denied these allegations.

Adviser to the KP Chief Minister, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, took to the airwaves to clarify the situation. He stated, "It is false that CM Gandapur has made any deal [with institutions]." This statement was made during an appearance on Geo News' program "Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath" on Monday. Saif's comments came after Gandapur reappeared following a period of silence that began on Saturday, coinciding with a police operation at the KP House in Islamabad, where he was reportedly present with party workers.

During the protest, which was part of a series of demonstrations advocating for judicial independence and the release of Imran Khan, Gandapur's absence led to speculation about his potential arrest. However, upon his return to the KP Assembly, he asserted that he had never left the KP House, stating, "Police raided the KP House multiple times [...] Listen IG [Inspector-General of Police]. I was there the whole night." This fiery declaration aimed to dispel rumors and assert his position.

Saif further elaborated on the situation, revealing that Gandapur's cell phone was left behind at the KP House, indicating that he was not in contact with anyone during his absence. "I was also worried [as] no contact could be established with Gandapur," he admitted. He emphasized that there was no reason for the Chief Minister to be arrested, as he was on bail and would have willingly surrendered if there had been a warrant for his arrest.

In a contrasting view, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif labeled Gandapur a "swindler," reiterating his long-held belief about the PTI leader. Asif claimed that Gandapur had entered KP via Haripur and spent the night at the residence of Omar Ayub, a senior PTI leader. This assertion aligns with previous comments made by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, who accused Gandapur of staging a drama during the protests.

As the political drama unfolds, it is clear that the situation is far from resolved. The accusations and counter-accusations highlight the intense political rivalry in Pakistan, particularly between the PTI and the current government. The public is left to ponder the implications of these events on the political stability of the region. As citizens, it is essential to remain informed and critically evaluate the narratives presented by political figures, ensuring that we understand the broader context of these developments.