Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM warns of dissolving assembly; halts budget to resist ‘conspiracy' against Imran Khan; targets Centre
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Friday issued a stern warning that he may dissolve the provincial assembly if the federal government attempts to destabilise the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led coalition in the province.
In a video message, Gandapur asserted that he holds the constitutional power to dissolve the assembly at any time. The warning comes amid increasing political friction between the federal and provincial governments.
Gandapur suspended implementation of the recently passed provincial budget and instructed lawmakers not to submit any cut motions during Friday's session. He added that a new strategy would be announced on Monday.
'If we don't pass the budget, the federal government could take control of the province under the pretext of a financial emergency,' Gandapur said, accusing Islamabad of conspiring to topple his government.
He also lashed out at the federal authorities for what he described as 'unjust treatment' of the province following the May 9, 2023, incidents. He alleged that the public mandate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was stolen in the aftermath.
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'Our leader was unjustly jailed, and the way we were treated after May 9, followed by the theft of our mandate, is unacceptable. However, the people of this province stood firm to protect their vote,' he stated.
Former Prime Minister
Imran Khan
, founder of PTI, remains in jail since August 2023. He faces multiple cases, including charges of inciting attacks on military and government buildings following his arrest by paramilitary Rangers from the Islamabad High Court premises.
Gandapur also criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor for allegedly violating constitutional responsibilities. 'It is the constitutional duty of the governor to call the budget session, but he failed to do so,' he said.
He further added, 'Moreover, our party's founding chairman has a legal and moral right to be consulted on the budget, but he has been denied access.'
Gandapur's remarks highlight rising tensions between the provincial and federal leadership, amid concerns of deepening political instability in Pakistan.
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