PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, a senior leader of the PPP, issued a warning on Thursday that a no-confidence motion could be brought against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
This development follows the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision, in accordance with Supreme Court directives, to reinstate reserved seats that had previously been allocated to PML-N, PPP, JUI-F, and ANP. This move has diminished PTI’s representation and bolstered opposition parties in the KP Assembly.Currently, the KP Assembly comprises 93 PTI-supported members, many of whom were elected as independents.
Meanwhile, opposition numbers have surged past 50, up from 27, after the allocation of reserved seats. The reinstatement included 21 reserved seats for women, distributed as 8 to JUI-F, 6 to PML-N, and 5 to PPP, with an additional seat each allocated to PTI members and the ANP. Additionally, four reserved seats for minorities were restored, with two allocated to JUI-F, and one each to PML-N and PPP.
Kundi clarified, “We are not plotting against KP’s chief minister,” but emphasized that “the moment we have even one more member in the assembly, it becomes our democratic right to initiate a no-confidence motion.” As a prominent PPP leader and ally of PML-N, he spoke to media
The KP governor, who has often exchanged verbal barbs with CM Gandapur, claimed that PTI supporters would soon celebrate a ‘Thanksgiving Day’. However, he also expressed that he does not wish for Gandapur to be “jobless or to exit politics.” Gandapur had previously asserted that his government could not be removed through constitutional means, warning that if anyone believes they can topple his administration, he is ready to quit politics himself. “Our authority and government belong entirely to PTI’s founder. When he orders, the government can be dissolved. No constitutional measures will succeed,” Gandapur had stated.
While JUI-F, a key player in the assembly, has stated it will not participate in any effort to oust the current provincial government, Kundi mentioned, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a politician, and we regularly hold discussions with him.”Clarifying Rumors and Political Stability The ruling PML-N faction has dismissed allegations of conspiracy against the PTI-led government in KP, asserting that no such plan is underway to topple the provincial setup through a no-confidence vote.
Speculation arose following a meeting between KP Governor Kundi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which some interpreted as a potential attempt by the Centre to remove Gandapur. PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, speaking to media, rejected claims that the meeting was part of a conspiracy, stating, “We will not adopt any tactics that could lead KP into instability.”
On a separate program, PM’s aide Sanaullah dismissed reports that the government was considering discussions with JUI-F chief Fazl to remove the KP administration. He clarified that he was present at the meeting in question and denied any plans for a no-trust motion against PTI’s provincial government.
Aimal Wali Khan, President of the Awami National Party (ANP), condemned the recent verdict on reserved seats, calling it a violation of voters’ mandate. He vowed that his party would oppose any form of horse-trading, criticizing the decision for weakening parliamentary integrity and damaging democratic principles.
Wali Khan also criticized Gandapur’s recent statements, viewing them as an attempt to divert attention from the government’s poor performance. He asserted that those who appointed Gandapur as chief minister remain satisfied with his governance, and that influential factions are not interested in removing the provincial government.
