Peshawar: A senior minister from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched a scathing attack on the Punjab government, accusing it of showing deliberate disrespect towards KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The controversy centers on the protocol and treatment extended to CM Gandapur during his recent visit to Punjab.
Allegations of Deliberate Disrespect
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, the Special Assistant to the KP Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations, held a press conference in Peshawar on Friday, December 27, 2024. He strongly condemned the actions of the Punjab administration, labeling their behavior as a "clear violation of political and governmental etiquette."
Saif detailed that when Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur traveled to Punjab, he was not accorded the protocol and respect befitting his constitutional office. The KP minister argued that this was not a minor oversight but a calculated move to undermine the authority and stature of the KP chief executive. He emphasized that such acts damage the spirit of inter-provincial harmony and set a dangerous precedent.
A Warning of Political Repercussions
The KP minister did not mince words regarding the potential fallout from this incident. He issued a direct warning, stating that if the behavior of the Punjab government does not change, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will respond politically in due time. This statement hints at a possible electoral or public relations backlash against the ruling party in Punjab during future political engagements.
Barrister Saif made it clear that the demand was for basic respect and equality. "We are not asking for any special favors," he asserted, "We simply demand that the constitutional office of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa be given the same protocol and respect as is given to chief ministers of other provinces, including Punjab." He framed the issue as one of principle and the rights of the province he represents.
The Core Issue: Protocol and Provincial Rights
At the heart of the controversy lies the unwritten code of conduct between federating units. The KP government's stance is that the snub to CM Gandapur is symbolic of a broader attitude of disregard. This incident, according to Saif, reflects a failure to recognize the equal status of all provinces within the Pakistani federation.
The press conference served as a formal, public complaint, putting the Punjab government on notice. By taking the matter to the media, the KP government has elevated it from a private grievance to a public political issue. The ball is now effectively in Punjab's court regarding any corrective action or response.
The date of the press conference, December 27, 2024, marks a significant escalation in rhetorical tensions between the two provincial governments, both of which are led by different political parties. The situation underscores the often delicate nature of inter-provincial relations in Pakistan's political landscape, where protocol and perception are deeply intertwined with power and respect.
