Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur Discusses Political Negotiations and Party Dynamics
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirms that his official interactions with the establishment have yet to yield significant results.
- Gandapur comments on Imran Khan’s ongoing offers for dialogue with the military and the PTI party’s stance on current negotiations.
- He also addresses internal party issues and recent tribal clashes in Parachinar.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur revealed on Saturday that despite multiple official interactions with the establishment, no significant outcomes have emerged. Speaking to the press outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Gandapur noted that while he frequently engages with key officials, these discussions have not yet led to tangible results.
Gandapur’s comments followed a recent offer from former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for nearly a year. Khan proposed initiating talks with the military and requested the appointment of representatives for negotiations. During a press interaction at the jail, Khan reiterated his willingness to engage in dialogue within constitutional limits, underscoring his concern for the national economy and his desire to form a dialogue committee.
The Chief Minister emphasized Khan’s unwavering commitment to his ideology and his readiness to engage in talks for the country’s benefit. Gandapur dismissed any confusion within the PTI party, stating that they are committed to following Khan’s decisions. He also expressed his readiness to step away from politics if he fails to organize a public gathering in Islamabad.
Gandapur urged stakeholders to establish terms of reference (ToRs) to facilitate negotiations aimed at resolving political disputes and achieving national stability. He criticized the current government, suggesting it lacks legitimacy and is not fit for negotiations despite multiple invitations from the PTI.
Regarding the violent protests of May 9, 2023, Gandapur distanced the PTI from responsibility for the riots and indicated that the party is prepared to apologize if found guilty, though it will not seek forgiveness for others’ mistakes. The riots, which followed Khan’s arrest, resulted in attacks on military installations and a widespread crackdown on the PTI.
On internal party matters, Gandapur addressed the controversy surrounding Sher Afzal Marwat’s reported expulsion, stating that he remains in contact with Marwat and believes in resolving internal disputes without permanently closing doors on anyone’s return.
Lastly, Gandapur commented on the recent tribal clash in Parachinar, clarifying that a ceasefire has been reached between the warring groups over a land dispute and emphasizing that the conflict should not be labeled as terrorism or a religious dispute.
