PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur fiercely criticized the federal government on Monday, calling the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment a major blow to the independence of the judiciary. He vowed to lead fresh protests against the amendment, accusing the government of manipulating key institutions for personal gain.
Speaking at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Gandapur celebrated the passage of a critical police reform bill focused on public safety and the creation of the Public Safety Commission. However, he also condemned internal divisions within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), pledging to expose those who had betrayed the party’s values.
He further criticized the continued isolation of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned on charges Gandapur dismissed as baseless, and called on PTI supporters to prepare for nationwide protests to demand justice. Gandapur expressed deep frustration at the lack of access to Imran Khan, accusing the authorities of unfair treatment.
Addressing the 26th Constitutional Amendment, Gandapur called it a “black day” for Pakistan’s judiciary, alleging that the government had compromised judicial independence to suit its interests. He vowed to challenge the amendment through all available means, asserting that it benefited only a select few and was not in the public’s interest.
The chief minister also pointed to betrayal within PTI, claiming that certain members had voted against the party’s core values. He warned that those who undermined Imran Khan’s vision would be publicly exposed.
Gandapur urged citizens to move beyond social media activism and prepare for direct action. He announced that PTI was gearing up for another wave of protests, promising a strike if the senior-most judge was not appointed as the next Chief Justice of Pakistan.
On the recently passed police bill, Gandapur emphasized its importance for maintaining law and order in KP, stating that the bill aimed to prevent the misuse of power and protect the public.
In conclusion, Gandapur reaffirmed his commitment to leading fresh protests, calling for unity within PTI and demanding justice for Imran Khan and the public.
