Gandapur dismisses rift, defends budget

Express Tribune

a day ago

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, has dismissed any speculation regarding the stability of his government, stating that all members are united and no one is defecting. "If anyone is eager to bring a no-confidence motion, they are welcome to try — it will only expose the truth," he remarked.
He added that had the budget not been passed, the government would have collapsed, and the blame would lie solely with PTI, while opponents would be celebrating.
Speaking informally to senior journalists at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar on Friday, Gandapur reiterated his call to the federal government to open trade routes with Afghanistan — from Chitral to Angoor Adda in Waziristan. "This move will not only boost trade but also ensure regional peace," he said. He also urged that individuals with legal status and those wishing to acquire Pakistani citizenship should be granted it, to promote foreign investment in the province.
Gandapur addressed internal party tensions surrounding the budget, stating, "There was propaganda from within that the budget shouldn't be presented, and once it was, noise was made about not passing it. However, when Barrister Saif briefed our party's Patron-in-Chief, he expressed satisfaction with the budget's approval."
He revealed that only two members abstained from voting for the budget, adding, "Everyone knows who they're aligned with." He hinted that more clarity on internal matters will emerge once the newly elected members of the provincial assembly are sworn in, and said the party's strategy will be shaped accordingly.
The chief minister also explained that due to recent legal interpretations, none of the current assembly members are officially affiliated with PTI, as the Supreme Court's previous decision has been nullified following the July 21 Senate ruling. "Everyone is now considered independent, except me," he emphasized. "I'm still a PTI member, as I listed PTI as my party affiliation in my nomination papers."
Responding to criticism over alleged extravagant spending, Gandapur clarified: "I didn't spend Rs115 million on biscuits. That amount was used to provide meals for 400 Class-IV staff members at the CM House and Secretariat." He defended his fiscal record, noting, "While I do spend, I've also saved Rs250 billion. It's the responsibility of political leaders to keep bureaucracy in check — and we will do that."
While acknowledging that corruption hasn't been entirely eradicated, Gandapur claimed significant control has been achieved. "I'm accountable not for 12 years but for the 15 months of my current tenure," he added. He concluded by announcing plans to revive closed industries in the province by ensuring the provision of low-cost electricity.