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Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
K-P rejects operation, warns of fallout
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has strongly opposed the launch of a new military operation in the province, warning that such actions, including drone strikes, could worsen the already fragile law and order situation. The government called for a public-backed strategy to eliminate terrorism and restore peace, insisting that lasting stability cannot be achieved through the use of force alone. During a heated session of the K-P Assembly held on Thursday, members from both the government and opposition benches engaged in verbal clashes while debating the deteriorating security environment in the province, particularly in the tribal districts. Speaking during the debate, Provincial Minister for Housing Dr Amjad Ali highlighted the worsening situation in the merged districts, stating that the rising number of casualties in the region is deeply alarming. "In the past, those fighting against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan were called mujahideen. Now, they are labelled as extremists. It's time to question the decisions made by former leaderships who trained and sent them across the border," he said. He criticized the lack of effective border control and questioned the role of those responsible for securing the frontiers. "Afghanistan borders six countries, yet Pakistan alone suffers repeated cross-border attacks. This deserves serious reflection," he added. Dr Amjad stressed that peace can only be achieved through community consultation, not military operations. "The Action in Aid of Civil Power Ordinance is a major source of unrest. It must be repealed or amended," he said. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Aurangzeb Khan also voiced concern over the suffering of the tribal population, saying they bore the brunt of the war on terror between 2006 and 2014. "The people of Bajaur to Orakzai have endured enough. After returning home, they were pushed into another crisis under the guise of the merger. This mockery must stop," he warned. He added that without peace in Afghanistan, Pakistan too will remain unstable. "There must be meaningful dialogue with the Afghan government," he urged, emphasizing that tribal communities are ready to support law enforcement in fighting terrorism. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam's Aiman Jaleel demanded that the government share its roadmap for peace. "Instead of addressing public concerns, the Assembly has become a platform for political blame games," she said. Jaleel also condemned the humiliation of women lawmakers in the House and called for unity beyond party lines. Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sohaib Afridi condemned the treatment of PTI workers during recent crackdowns. "We are not afraid of jails. On August 14, people will take to the streets to demand real freedom. Our government stands firmly against operations and drone strikes," he declared. The opposition, meanwhile, demanded the formation of a parliamentary peace committee, accusing the provincial government of incompetence in handling the security crisis. The session concluded with no clear consensus as tensions between the two sides continued to escalate.
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
No-confidence cloud gathers over Gandapur in K-P
A political storm may be brewing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Governor Faisal Karim Kundi confirmed on Saturday that both the ruling alliance and opposition are seriously weighing a no-confidence move against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur – amid a shifting tide in assembly numbers following the Supreme Court's ruling on reserved seats. In an exclusive conversation, the K-P governor said the opposition reserves the democratic right to bring a no-confidence motion against the provincial government whenever it has a numerical edge in the assembly, saying why would any opposition wait if it has the numbers. Governor Kundi clarified that there has been no formal attempt by the opposition to oust the K-P government yet, but the opposition was actively working to consolidate support. "We (ruling alliance and provincial opposition) are seriously working on it. The numbers have changed in the assembly. The opposition is not in a hurry but it won't wait when the numbers are complete," he said. Governor Kundi said the opposition parties currently hold around 54 seats in the K-P Assembly and see an opening to secure support from nearly 35 independent members. "No opposition party would wait even for a second if it can outnumber the ruling party in any assembly," he said. With the support of the independent MPAs, Governor Kundi, while responding to a question, said that the task of removing the PTI-led K-P government was achievable, as the defection clause would not apply to them. In 2024, the Supreme Court had held that lawmakers who cross the floor will have their votes counted, even if they are subsequently disqualified. This would necessitate by-elections on any seats they vacate. In contrast, if the opposition relies on independent members for support, no by-elections would arise, as their participation does not violate constitutional provisions. Under Article 136 of the Constitution, the chief minister can be removed through a vote of no-confidence supported by a majority of the total membership of the provincial assembly. Alternatively, under Article 130(7), the governor can ask the chief minister to seek a vote of confidence if he believes the leader of the house no longer commands majority support. In both cases, the support of at least 73 MPAs is required in the 145-member assembly, indicating that the opposition is currently short by about 19 to 20 votes. Governor Kundi dismissed the notion that the ruling alliance at the Centre was rushing into any political manoeuvring. "Work is in progress. When the numbers are there, we won't delay," he said. In reference to CM Gandapur's repeated public taunts and warnings, Kundi said: "The chief minister keeps throwing challenges. But we will act when it matters." Drawing a parallel with the political events of April 2022, Kundi recalled that a no-confidence motion against then Prime Minister Imran Khan was successfully executed back then. "At that time too, the PTI government claimed no one could dislodge them. Everyone saw what happened next," he said. Asked whether Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had instructed him to initiate the move against the K-P government during their recent meeting, the governor clarified that while the matter was discussed, there were no specific directions issued. "Yes, we discussed the situation after the reserved seats decision, but there was no order or specific task given from the prime minister," he said. On a lighter note, Kundi, while referring to CM K-P's repeated challenges that he would quit politics if anyone ousts him, said "we don't want Gandapur to become unemployed or quit politics." Commenting on coordination within the opposition, Kundi acknowledged the political relevance of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and said interactions take place to discuss different things and the rapidly changing political situation. Kundi said that Maulana is a senior figure with vast political experience, saying meetings and consultations with political leaders like him are routinely held. The recent changes in the reserved seat allocations have altered the political equation in K-P, prompting discussions at the highest level within the ruling coalition. While no formal step has yet been taken, political observers believe the possibility of a no-confidence motion has become significantly possible if independents change sides. They say that the coming days are likely to be decisive in determining whether the PTI retains its grip on the province or faces a repeat of April 2022.
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Centre plotting against K-P govt: CM
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday said that the provincial government was a trust bestowed by the PTI's patron-in-chief, Imran Khan, warning that if directed, he would dissolve the provincial assembly without a moment's hesitation. Addressing the K-P Assembly, Gandapur said that the events of May 9 were merely used as a pretext for launching a full-blown assault on the PTI. "All forces have been bent on eliminating the party and its leader," he alleged, adding that those who abandoned the incarcerated party chairman were nothing short of "cowards and dishonourable". He went on to accuse the federal government of conspiring to topple the K-P government through the imposition of a financial emergency. However, he warned that the province would not allow such schemes to succeed. He shared that the parliamentary party and political committee have granted his government approval to pass the provincial budget, adding that it will implement changes in the budget without delay upon Imran's directives. Gandapur also accused the establishment of orchestrating PTI's ouster from power through a carefully crafted conspiracy. He lamented that constitutional provisions were violated and elections were deliberately delayed to sabotage the party's position. "Before the February 8 general elections, our chairman was arrested, and the party was deprived of its electoral symbol," the chief minister said. "Despite all these political injustices, the public handed us a clear mandate, but that mandate was stolen in the Centre and in three provinces." Commenting on the financial crisis his government inherited, Gandapur noted that the provincial treasury contained barely enough funds to pay 15 days of salaries when his government took over. However, through sound fiscal policies, the province's revenue has now surpassed Rs93 billion, and is projected to reach Rs129 billion in the next fiscal year. The chief minister further revealed that Rs150 billion in cash reserves remain in the province's debt servicing account, generating Rs60 million in daily income. The throw-forward liability of K-P has been reduced from 13 years to just over five years, he added. "Those who hold sway over the country left no stone unturned in pushing this province towards insolvency and chaos," Gandapur claimed. He said that despite their best efforts, they had not been allowed to meet Imran Khan, and alleged that the budget approval process was being obstructed to pave the way for a federal takeover of provincial authority under the guise of a financial emergency. "We will never let this conspiracy succeed," he said. "The provincial budget is being passed as per the PTI's parliamentary and political committee's decision, but if the chairman wants anything added or removed, it will be done immediately."
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
K-P utilises Rs120b ADP budget for current fiscal
K-P Chief Minister's Advisor on Finance and Interprovincial Coordination Muzzammil Aslam told the K-P Assembly that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government not only successfully completed the Annual Development Program (ADP) worth Rs120 billion for the ongoing fiscal but also incurred development expenditures exceeding Rs150 billion. Responding to questions during the provincial assembly's budget session, the CM's aide said the current government, prioritizing public welfare, introduced financial reforms, curtailed expenditures, increased revenues, and succeeded in presenting a surplus budget — a first in the province's history. He further noted that the government had secured Rs150 billion in a debt fund to gradually pay off the province's debts. The finance advisor emphasized the need for the federal government to fulfill the province's financial rights, adding that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had forcefully and effectively advocated for the protection of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's constitutional and financial rights in relation to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. As a result of these efforts, positive outcomes are emerging, and the federal government is now preparing to announce the 11th NFC Award, said Aslam. Drawing attention to the challenges in the education sector, he highlighted that although the out-of-school children situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was better than in other provinces, 30% of children in the province were still out of school — a concerning reality. In light of this, the government is declaring an "education emergency" to ensure that every child has access to education, the K-P CM advisor said.
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Lady health workers end protest after deal
Following successful negotiations with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, Lady Health Workers have officially ended their protest sit-in outside the K-PAssembly. Ishrat Malik, Central General Secretary of the Shaheen Union of Lady Health Workers, announced that Provincial Health Minister Ehtesham Ali took immediate notice of the protest — held during an intense heatwave - and initiated formal talks with union representatives. The LHW delegation included Akhtar Bibi (Provincial President), Ishrat Malik (General Secretary), Rafasat Qamar, Naeema Bibi, and other union officials. During the meeting, the Health Minister assured that the official minutes would be shared within two days. He also confirmed that the Health Department had finalized a promotion and regularization plan for 12,439 LHWs, structured under a four-year framework and now ready to be submitted to relevant departments. According to the plan, promotions will be granted from scale 5 up to scale 14 based on seniority and a percentage-based formula. Under this framework, 40 percent of the workers will be promoted to scale 9, another 30 percent to scale 9 under a separate criterion, 20 percent to scale 12, and the remaining 10 percent to scale 14. The Minister further assured that a summary of the plan would be sent to the Finance Department within days. He praised the critical role played by LHWs in providing healthcare in remote, conflict-affected, and snow-bound areas, emphasizing that public health operations would be unmanageable without their commitment and sacrifice. In view of the government's assurances and considering the harsh conditions faced by the protestors, Minister Ali urged the LHWs to end their sit-in and return home. Responding positively, the Shaheen Union officially called off the two-day protest and expressed appreciation for the government's responsiveness. Ishrat Malik also extended her gratitude to the media for their extensive coverage and support, which she said played a key role in drawing attention to the LHWs' demands and accelerating the negotiation process.
