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Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
25 reserved seat MPAs sworn at KP Governor House after high court intervention
Following intervention of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi administered the oath to 25 members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, elected on reserved seats for women and non-Muslims, in a ceremony held at the Governor House Peshawar on Sunday. The governor administered the oath after the PHC chief justice through an order nominated him to do so. Governor Kundi congratulated the women and minority members of the assembly upon taking the oath on the reserved seats. He also expressed his gratitude to the PHC chief justice of for the nomination. The oath-taking ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Federal Minister for SAFFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, and Leader of the Opposition in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Dr. Ibadullah, along with other members of opposition parties. PHC bars elected MPAs on reserved seats from taking oath This oath was administered under Articles 65 and 255(2) of the Constitution of Pakistan, and in accordance with Rule 6 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Procedure and Conduct of Business Rules, 1988.
Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Opposition to move no-confidence motion against Gandapur once majority is secured: Kundi
Listen to article Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the opposition would move a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur the moment it secures a majority in the provincial assembly. 'The day one extra member joins us, we can move a vote of no-confidence, ' he said. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) delegation met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his Islamabad residence on Friday to deliberate on a joint strategy for the upcoming Senate elections in K-P. During the meeting, the two parties discussed possible cooperation in contesting the Senate polls. The meeting highlighted the need for coordination among opposition parties to counter the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the province. Senior PPP leader Khursheed Shah said that the elections were imminent and that both parties intended to honour previously agreed arrangements. 'Every party has its mandate, and we have had a longstanding relationship with Maulana Fazlur Rehman,' he noted. Addressing the media after the meeting, Kundi highlighted the PPP's electoral targets in upper house elections, saying the party was aiming for five Senate seats in the province. 'Our goal is for Maulana Fazl's group to secure one general seat, while PPP will contest a reserved seat,' he said. When asked about the potential for political manoeuvring in the upcoming polls, Kundi responded, 'The PPP will try its best to avoid horse-trading,' while expressing hope that the former Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance would contest the elections jointly, saying, 'We are trying to move forward together.' Touching on the broader political and security landscape, the K-P governor criticised the PTI's governance in the province, challenging the party to 'name a single stadium or public facility they have built.' Commenting on the deteriorating law and order situation in K-P, he said, 'Extremists usually come out after Asr prayers in the province,' alluding to growing militant activity in recent months. Kundi also addressed Thursday's tragic incident in Balochistan, where nine passengers were killed after being identified and separated based on their identity cards. He said the entire nation must unite to restore peace. He called out Indian involvement in terrorist activities inside Pakistan, stating New Delhi had intensified subversive actions following its military setbacks. 'Eighty per cent of the terrorism in Pakistan is originating from Afghan soil,' he said, warning that if Afghanistan continued allowing its territory to be used by hostile powers like Israel and India, it would be difficult to maintain peaceful ties. 'Afghanistan must ensure that its land is not used by external forces against Pakistan,' he added.
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Express Tribune
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Kundi rules out no-confidence move against CM
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday clarified that there is no intention to bring a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, stating that if the opposition gains a majority, it would be within their constitutional right to do so. Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected cabinet of the Video Journalists Association at the Governor's House in Peshawar, Kundi emphasized that while politics has its place, conflicts cannot be resolved through smiles alone. "We have recommended civil awards for those who saved lives during the Swat tragedy," he said. He praised Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's journalists for their frontline role in the war against terrorism and pledged to advocate for their rights on every forum. "Journalists from this province have made great sacrifices. Their role cannot be overlooked," he stated. Responding to a question about Chief Minister Gandapur attending the Chief Justice's oath-taking ceremony, the Governor said, "If someone visits your home, you show them respect - that is our tradition and culture." Kundi added that although there is no current plan for a no-confidence move against the CM, "if someone is exercising their democratic right, we will stand with them." He also noted that if PTI achieves parity in other provinces, they too have the right to bring a no-confidence motion. Following the tragic incident in Swat, the provincial branch of the Red Crescent has been provided with ambulances and emergency boats to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Governor announced that volunteers who saved lives during the Swat tragedy will be sent on Umrah and that five additional boats will be made available, which will remain in coordination with volunteer Hilal Khan. Earlier in the ceremony, Governor Kundi administered oaths to the newly elected office bearers. Senior journalist Amjad Aziz Malik moderated the event.
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
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI slammed for negligence in Swat drowning tragedy
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has strongly criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for what he called over a decade of poor governance in the province, citing the recent Swat river tragedy as a stark example of administrative failure. Speaking to the media on Saturday during a visit to the main 9th Muharram mourning procession in Peshawar's Saddar area, Governor Kundi expressed his sorrow over the death of 14 tourists who drowned in the Swat River. He questioned the absence of timely rescue measures, asking, "Were there no divers in Rescue 1122? If they were so incompetent, why didn't they seek help from the Air Force or Navy? He further alleged that the provincial air ambulance, which was created for emergencies, was not available during the Swat incident.
