DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has stressed the importance of a high-level meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan regarding the upcoming provincial budget, warning that if the meeting did not take place, the province will withdraw support from talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Speaking to the media after meeting Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, CM Gandapur said, “It is essential for key figures in the provincial finance sector, including myself, to meet the PTI founder. If this attitude of avoidance continues, we will not support IMF negotiations.”
He conveyed Imran Khan’s message to the nation, stating, “The founder is waging a war for real democracy and the freedom of the people — not for personal gain, but for Pakistan.”
Gandapur added that although his initial responsibility was to govern, he was now preparing to actively mobilize a protest movement. “There must be rule of law in the country,” the chief minister asserted. “Human rights are being violated, our leaders and workers are unjustly imprisoned, and the judiciary must protect us. We stand by the judiciary.
The electoral mandate has been stolen and misused, and those lacking Form 45s should be removed from office.”
CM Gandapur emphasized his loyalty to Imran Khan, stating, “He is my leader. I was allowed to meet him after two months. If he gives me a vision, I will follow it.” He criticized attempts to sideline PTI and its founder, saying, “The system has failed to eliminate the Tehreek-e-Insaf. They must understand that the country cannot be governed by force. Reality must be accepted.”
Responding to a question, Gandapur aligned himself with Imran Khan’s recent comments regarding the military leadership, saying, “After what the founder says, our individual opinions hold no weight. His statement on the Army Chief is also my statement.”
He described the PTI movement as peaceful and legitimate, committed to “liberating the nation from occupation.” “We are prepared for the future. The state fired bullets, and our chests bore them — we are ready to endure again if necessary,” he said, adding that any further action would be decided in consultation with the party.
On the issue of drone strikes, Gandapur condemned the loss of civilian lives and called it a failure of operational strategy. “I don’t level accusations of murder, but there have been repeated drone attacks. The loss of innocent lives is unacceptable.”
Commenting on the provincial budget, Gandapur said, “Our budget will be exceptional. When our government took office, there were only funds for 18 days. Despite this, KP is the only province that has met all IMF targets.”
He reiterated the need for coordination between the province’s finance team and Imran Khan. “It is critical that the finance minister meet with the PTI founder regarding the budget. Without this, we will not take part in IMF discussions.”
Highlighting the province’s achievements, Gandapur said KP now enjoys a budget surplus and has delivered significant public relief initiatives. “We’ve provided Rs 36 billion in health cards, and are offering liver and bone marrow transplants. Solar systems are being distributed to 250,000 households.”
Addressing recent allegations of corruption, Gandapur denied involvement in a reported Rs 40 billion scandal. “This issue should be directed to former CM Mahmood Khan and the finance minister of that time. We have already recovered Rs 20 billion. If the corruption was Rs 400 billion, I hope it is all recovered and returned to the provincial treasury.”
