Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has issued a firm and public rebuttal to recent criticism from military officials, while also delivering a stark warning against any repetition of past security operations in the province. The strong statements, made during a press conference in Peshawar, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing political tensions between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government and the federal establishment.
A Direct Rejection of Military Remarks
Chief Minister Gandapur directly addressed comments made by a military official who had reportedly criticized the KP government's performance. Gandapur categorically rejected these remarks, asserting that his administration was fully capable and committed to its governance duties. He emphasized that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had given his government a clear mandate, and he would not tolerate any external interference in provincial affairs.
The CM challenged the notion that the province was being poorly managed, pointing to his government's efforts and the challenges it inherited. His tone was defiant, making it clear that he viewed the criticism as an unwarranted intrusion into the democratic mandate of the province.
A Warning Against Historical Operations
In his most pointed commentary, Ali Amin Gandapur drew upon the region's troubled history with large-scale military actions. He issued a clear warning, stating that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would not accept a repeat of past operations, which are widely remembered for causing significant displacement and hardship among the local population.
This reference is a potent political statement, evoking memories of operations that have long been a source of contention and trauma in the region. By invoking this history, Gandapur positioned his government as the guardian of the people's interests against potentially overreaching federal security policies.
The Core Demand: Provincial Rights and Resources
Underpinning Gandapur's confrontational stance is a series of long-standing demands related to provincial autonomy and resources. The Chief Minister explicitly stated that his government's cooperation with federal authorities was contingent upon the resolution of these key issues.
He highlighted several critical areas where he believes the center has failed the province:
- Financial Dues: Demanding the immediate release of outstanding funds and royalties owed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Electricity Issues: Condemning prolonged power outages and demanding a permanent solution to the province's energy crisis.
- Net Hydel Profit (NHP): Insisting on the timely payment of the province's share of profits from hydropower generation.
Gandapur declared that until these fundamental financial and rights-based issues are addressed, his government's relationship with the federal authorities would remain strained. He framed the criticism from military officials as a diversion from these core constitutional and economic grievances.
The press conference signals a hardening of positions from the PTI-led KP government. By publicly rejecting military criticism and linking cooperation to tangible concessions, Chief Minister Gandapur has placed the ball firmly in the federal government's court. The situation underscores the deep-seated tensions between the center and the province, with the potential to impact broader political stability and governance in the region. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this rhetoric leads to further confrontation or becomes the starting point for a negotiated settlement on provincial rights.
