After a full day of uncertainty, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur returned to the provincial assembly on Sunday.
Gandapur’s sudden disappearance occurred during a PTI-led protest in Islamabad the previous day. The mystery of Gandapur’s whereabouts triggered widespread concern, leading the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to demand his release through an urgent resolution.
Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam introduced this resolution, which also denounced the recent raid on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad and the ensuing violent incidents.
Gandapur, last seen leading a PTI protest convoy into Islamabad on October 5, reportedly vanished near China Chowk. Surveillance footage captured him entering the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House but later exiting in civilian clothes, raising questions about whether he left voluntarily. PTI leaders, including former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, gave a 24-hour ultimatum for his release, threatening national protests if their demands were unmet.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the situation by stating, “Ali Amin Gandapur is not in the custody of any federal agency. He has chosen to go into hiding of his own accord,” further complicating the public understanding of the events.
Upon his return, Gandapur delivered a passionate speech in the K-P Assembly, accusing the federal government of trying to undermine Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s will. He depicted his ordeal as part of a broader attempt to erase the PTI’s political achievements. Gandapur criticized the treatment of PTI members, highlighting the alleged seizure of their party symbol, kidnappings, and restrictions on their election campaign.
Challenging the legitimacy of the opposition’s votes, he contrasted them with PTI’s over 4.5 million votes, questioning the source of the opposition’s support. He condemned the raid on K-P House as an assault on the province’s autonomy. He criticized the current administration for handling PTI’s rally requests, particularly denying a venue at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, likening their proposed alternatives to cattle markets.
Gandapur’s speech concluded defiantly, asserting that despite obstacles, PTI had reached D-Chowk and emphasizing the struggle for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s recognition within the federation. Political tension remains high, with PTI leaders threatening nationwide protests if further actions are taken against their members or leadership.
