Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur launched a scathing attack on the federal government and state institutions, accusing them of destroying Pakistan’s economy, undermining the Constitution, and pushing the country toward authoritarianism.
Addressing the media in Rawalpindi on Thursday, Gandapur criticized the ruling elite for taking turns in power and leaving the country in economic ruins. “They have destroyed the country and the economy by taking turns,” he said. “Now they’ve amended laws to wipe out what little was left of the Constitution.”
'We won't be slaves'
Rejecting what he described as the “fascist mindset” prevailing in the country, Gandapur said, “They think they can make us slaves. But Allah has created us free as Muslims and as Pakistanis. We will not tolerate slavery.”
He added that if force was used against the people, it would be resisted with force. “We will use a stick against a stick,” he said defiantly. “We will raise our voice against the Pharaohs of this system.”
Judiciary, law enforcement under fire
Referring to ongoing legal cases against PTI founder Imran Khan, Gandapur said the judiciary was no longer independent and accused the prosecutor of lying about Khan’s court appearance. “We had hope in the judiciary, law, and constitution. But now there is no hope left,” he said.
He also decried the treatment of Bushra Bibi, wife of Imran Khan, saying, “What was done to her has never been done to any woman in this country. It is shameful.”
'Budget without taxes, focus on human development'
Shifting focus to his provincial government, the KP chief minister announced plans for a “public-friendly and tax-free” budget. He said the next NFC meeting would be held in August, and promised schemes aimed at human development.
“We won’t hand out direct funds, but will initiate schemes that benefit the people,” he said, adding that a committee will be formed to oversee these initiatives.
Willing to talk for the sake of Pakistan
Gandapur claimed that PTI founder Imran Khan had expressed readiness to talk to the establishment, but “for the country, not for personal gain.”
“It is very clear: I'm ready for dialogue with the establishment, but only for Pakistan. We will not compromise on our constitutional rights; we will chart our own path to get our rights. The fight for our rights with the federation has been won to a large extent,” he emphasized.
Call for movement and mass mobilisation
Declaring his full commitment to PTI's anti-government movement, Gandapur said he would not just support but actively lead the protests. “I am part of this protest and movement. Everyone must lead for us to win,” he urged.
He also revealed that PTI’s founder is planning to form another small committee to organize the next phase of resistance. "I will use the protocol of a chief minister. If someone shoots me, those who save me should shoot him in return. As the chief minister, I will use my authority to the fullest extent according to the Constitution," he asserted.
'Victory will be ours'
Ending his address with a note of determination, Gandapur declared, “We are with the truth, and victory will also be ours. People have voted for me, and I will use the full authority granted to me under the constitution.”
He pledged to use his position not for personal benefit but to fight for the people, adding that the current system and mindset “cannot take the country forward.”
