K-P CM exhorts institutions to stay neutral

Accuses federal government of being two-faced

MARDAN:

Riding on the coattails of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Founder Imran Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also asked for institutional neutrality in the political arena.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, the K-P CM said that "institutional neutrality is essential for a fair governance system". He accused the federal government of being completely different on the inside and outside. He said this while pointing to inconsistencies and alleged lack of transparency in federal dealings.

The chief minister said that the decisions taken in the second meeting of the provincial apex committee would be implemented in letter and spirit. He made it clear that it was already decided in the first meeting of the apex committee to strengthen the police department, improve law and order and eradicate smuggling and other illegal activities.

In response to another question, the chief minister said that his government had presented tax free budget, prioritising the wellbeing of the common man in the province. "Rs12 billion have been allocated in the budget of the new fiscal year for various welfare initiatives, the chief minister said. He added that the talented youth of the province were being provided with interest-free loan for self- opportunities.

He announced that the government is going to launch this important programme on August 14.

The chief minister touched on the burden of electricity costs on the public. He slated the ongoing power theft issues and suggested that should target affluent offenders rather than the poor.

"Electricity is costly, and people cannot pay the bill," he said. Gansapur announced a significant initiative to distribute solar panels to 0.1 million households in an effort to alleviate the energy crisis.

Gandapur's statements follow a recent message from PTI founder Imran Khan, conveyed through his sister Aleema Khan, and other PTI leaders, during a press conference outside Adiala Jail.

Imran accused the current government of instigating a clash between PTI and the army. He urged Army Chief General Asim Munir to prepare for re-elections, emphasizing the need for a neutral stance from all institutions.