Gandapur challenges state to topple K-P govt constitutionally

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has challenged the state, asserting that if it can legally topple his government through constitutional means, he will leave politics if they succeed.

"Don’t do anything unconstitutional — and even through constitutional means, you cannot do anything. Our government, our power, and everything belong to Imran Khan. He can instruct us to topple the government whenever he wishes. Our government cannot be overthrown through constitutional methods," he said.

Following a meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party, Gandapur held a joint press conference with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Salman Akram Raja, and other leaders on Wednesday.

He described the state, often viewed as a "mother," as behaving tyrannically. "I challenge the state and all its institutions. You attempted conspiracies and failed. You used unconstitutional means and still could not succeed," he stated.

Gandapur criticised the state's actions, saying, "You failed in your conspiracies and unconstitutional measures. You imposed martial law and governor's rule in the past. Now, I challenge your power and authority. Put our people in jail, use all your might, and try to topple the K-P government."

The CM added that they cannot remove his government through legal and constitutional means because they cannot break his members. "No one has the power to break those who stand with Imran Khan."

He further stated, "Today’s meeting sends a message to those who think we’re divided. We are fully committed, body and soul, to securing the release of PTI’s founder. I was arrested before May 9. They claim we committed excesses on May 9, but the conspiracy against PTI’s founder began before that."

Gandapur pointed out that the 26th Constitutional Amendment is an attack on the judiciary, and that PTI will work to reverse it when they return to power.

Regarding a meeting with the incarcerated former PM, he said, "Imran Khan requested a meeting, and it’s our right to meet with him as he is the head of the party. However, I sense that this meeting might not be arranged."

In response to a question, he said that Imran Khan has never refused to negotiate. "We want to talk to those who truly hold power. Right now, the country is being run with batons, and everyone knows the real worth of the PML-N and PPP."

Concerning PTI's future actions, Gandapur announced that the party plans to launch a nationwide political movement after Muharram and will intensify its efforts. He warned, "If bullets are fired at us, the response will be the same, the response will be similar."

During the press conference, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar emphasised that all party actions, including negotiations and protests, have been in line with the directives of the PTI founder.

“We are here because of his vote and his leadership,” he said, adding that the purpose of the meeting was to send a unified message. “Any future plan will be made public only after the founder’s approval,” he added.

He criticised the state's refusal to allow meetings with the founder for vital matters such as K-P’s budget, noting that similar requests for Sindh, Punjab, and federal consultations were also rejected. “Our MNAs were unseated, references were filed, and sentences were handed out. This is not democracy,” he said.

Gohar concluded by asserting that PTI remains the legitimate government in K-P and dismissed any attempts of a no-confidence motion. “Those seeking to bring down our government simply don’t have the numbers. PTI is and will remain in power,” he said.

Moreover, Salman Akram Raja spoke of long-standing political exploitation and injustice. “For eight decades, this nation has been looted. The people of Pakistan have been silenced,” he said.

Referring to last year's general elections on February 8, he termed it a “historic day when people exercised their democratic right.” “Our struggle is for dignity and fundamental rights. We will continue to fight the battle of the PTI founder and victory is our destiny,” Raja declared.