PESHAWAR:
The office of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Sunday issued a firm denial of reports attributing remarks to PTI patron-in-chief Imran Khan, in which the latter allegedly urged Ali Amin Gandapur to resign if he fails to restore peace in the province.
A spokesperson for the CM reaffirmed the provincial government’s allegiance to the PTI founder, stating, “Whenever Imran Khan desires, Chief Minister Gandapur will step down”. However, he insisted that there is no authoritative source confirming that Imran issued any such directive regarding resignation.
The rebuttal comes a day after media reports claimed Imran urged Gandapur to resign over perceived failures in governance, and law and order.
The K-P government reiterated that the provincial administration represents Imran Khan’s political vision. “We are guided by his trust,” the spokesperson said, noting that Gandapur has publicly described his position in the K-P government as “a trust bestowed by Imran”.
Despite his leadership post, Gandapur has reportedly been unable to meet Imran, who is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail. The spokesperson attributed that to the lack of enforcement of court-ordered visitation rights.
Jirgas
Highlighting government initiatives, the spokesperson underscored the launch of regional tribal jirgas aimed at combating terrorism and restoring stability in the province. These jirgas form part of a broader, community-led strategy for improving law and order.
A day earlier, the provincial government had initiated a series of regional jirgas aimed at restoring peace in the tribal districts. During the first jirga, held at the CM’s House in Peshawar, participants urged the federal government to facilitate a delegation comprising representatives from the K-P government and tribal elders to engage in dialogue with Afghanistan.
