K-P CM ready to wage 'jihad for right CJ'

Warns of protests if senior-most judge ignored

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has once again announced plans to take to the streets, stating that if the seniormost judge is not appointed as chief justice, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will protest again.

He emphasised that whether someone voted for the constitutional amendment or not, if they stand with the government, they will not be spared. He said this is a battle of ideology, and if anyone thinks they can force them to retreat, they are mistaken. "This battle has now taken the form of jihad, and the public must rise for this jihad themselves."

He expressed these views while addressing the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on the approval of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. He stated that under the cover of the dark, a robbery was committed in the form of constitutional amendments on Sunday night.

This unconstitutional amendment was made only for a few elites, bringing the judiciary under their control and making it subservient. He further said that the government, which lacks public mandate, has attacked the independent judiciary.

"First, they will reclaim their mandate through the public, and then they will reject such amendments."

He pointed out that in the past, money was looted from institutions and people were placed in positions of power to serve personal interests. "The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is an example, which has always targeted individuals, and with favoured individuals in place, decisions were made as per their wishes. Such practices hinder the progress of institutions, and today Pakistan is drowning in debt, while foreign policy is driving the country downward."

He stated that only a few elites are benefiting from these amendments. The chief minister continued they will bring amendments to strengthen public interest and institutions after abolishing these "unconstitutional changes".

He emphasised that this is a war of ideology, and they will not back down under pressure or force. "Difficult times on the party have revealed who is cowardly and who stands by the ideology. A list of those who voted in favor of the amendments and supported them will be available by tonight." He stated that those who betray the ideology and sell their conscience are traitors. "Those who deceived the public for personal gain will be held accountable," Gandapur declared.