In a bold move, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has declared his decision to abstain from attending the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. Gandapur voiced his reservations about the legitimacy of the prime minister’s mandate, raising concerns over the absence of concrete evidence supporting the correctness of the electoral process.
Addressing journalists at the provincial assembly, Gandapur underscored the pivotal role of Form 45 in validating the electoral process and lamented the lack of support for the prime minister’s mandate through this crucial document. He deemed it inappropriate to participate in the swearing-in ceremony under such circumstances, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
The Chief Minister revealed plans to prioritize the formation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet and disclosed an upcoming meeting with PTI Founder Imran Khan for further discussions on the matter. Gandapur also announced his intention to visit Adiala jail to meet with Khan, indicating ongoing political deliberations within the party.
Responding to queries about Maryam Nawaz’s recent statements on combating corruption, Gandapur refrained from offering a definitive response, citing an inability to comment on the matter at the moment. However, his comments suggested a cautious approach to the unfolding political landscape.
In a parting remark, Gandapur directed criticism towards the Nawaz family, urging them to be held accountable for alleged corruption amounting to billions before setting ‘red lines.’ He advocated for transparency and accountability, particularly in addressing the purported misappropriation of significant sums of money, highlighting the broader issue of financial integrity within the political sphere. As political tensions continue to escalate, Gandapur’s decision not to attend the oath-taking ceremony underscores the persistent challenges and controversies surrounding electoral processes in Pakistan.
