Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Sunday firmly rejected reports suggesting any rift between him and Bushra Bibi. He confirmed that Bushra Bibi was content with his actions and added that there are currently no plans for a major protest.
In an in-depth conversation with The News, Gandapur emphasized that his primary responsibility remains to care for the party workers. He highlighted the martyrdom of around 22 workers and assured that their families were being provided financial support. Additionally, efforts were being made for the treatment of injured workers, he added.
Gandapur also shared that hundreds of party workers are either in police custody or missing. He mentioned that authorities were working to trace those missing, and arrangements were being made for the bail of arrested workers, with legal aid being provided to all those detained. He also noted that several vehicles belonging to the workers are still in police custody, and efforts are underway to retrieve them.
In response to queries about Bushra Bibi, Gandapur clarified that she had expressed satisfaction with his actions, particularly since many leaders had fled and left her alone during a challenging period.
On the D-Chowk and Sangjani controversy, Gandapur explained that Bushra Bibi’s stance was to stop the convoys based on a video message from Imran Khan. However, when no such message arrived, the convoys continued toward D-Chowk. Upon realizing that a major operation was imminent, he took immediate action to ensure Bushra Bibi’s safety.
Recalling the tense moments, he revealed that as soon as direct firing began, they had to leave quickly. “Our vehicle was the last to leave, with others having already departed,” Gandapur said. “I managed to rescue Bushra from Islamabad amidst gunfire, even though the car’s tyres were shot out. I could not leave her alone to face arrest. Despite the obstacles and the danger, I kept driving through police checkposts until we finally reached Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
He refuted claims that Bushra Bibi had been forcibly brought into the car, clarifying that such reports were false and that no one had mistreated her. “Bushra Bibi is our honor, and I would never leave her in a compromising position,” he emphasized.
Gandapur further clarified that there were no restrictions on Bushra Bibi’s interactions with others, stating that she is free to meet anyone she chooses, and that he has no authority to stop such meetings.
Regarding Mashal Yousafzai’s dismissal, Gandapur explained that due to a conflict of interests, Mashal was no longer able to serve as both the spokesperson for the government and for Bushra Bibi. Consequently, she was removed from her government role and now exclusively serves as Bushra Bibi’s spokesperson.
Addressing a press conference, Gandapur criticized Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and the federal government, accusing them of exceeding their constitutional authority and creating administrative confusion. He stated that convening an All-Parties Conference (APC) falls outside the governor’s jurisdiction, emphasizing, “We will call the APC; it is not the governor’s responsibility.”
The KP CM also pointed to the federal government’s failure to provide adequate financial support, which he said was hindering the province’s ability to tackle critical issues. He revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had only received a meager 1% of the funds promised under counter-terrorism initiatives, and Rs400 million allocated for the merged districts remains unpaid.
This financial shortfall, he explained, has worsened the crisis in Kurram, which is yet to be resolved. “The federal government is causing continuous confusion, and the situation in Kurram is a clear example of this,” he remarked.
Gandapur accused certain individuals within opposing factions of fueling violence in Kurram, stating that exposing these instigators is a priority for his government. He also raised concerns about sectarian tensions in the region, accusing some groups of exploiting these issues to further their own agendas.
Speaking about the PTI supporters, Gandapur expressed pride in their unwavering loyalty. “Whenever PTI has called on the people, they have stood with us,” he stated. However, he expressed frustration over the use of force against peaceful protesters, noting that bullets were fired upon them. He also lamented the unfulfilled promise of releasing the Rs400 million for the merged districts, emphasizing the resilience of PTI supporters despite the ongoing challenges.
Gandapur concluded by reaffirming his commitment to his party and supporters, stressing that his government would continue to advocate for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s interests.
