No-Confidence Motion
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has firmly denied claims of plotting to topple the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), calling the recent wave of speculation “baseless and misleading.”
The rumors gained traction after a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), on Wednesday.
The timing of the meeting, coupled with the backdrop of mounting political tension following the Supreme Court’s decision against PTI’s claim to reserved seats, sparked speculation that the federal government was exploring options to unseat KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur through a no-confidence motion.
However, speaking on Geo News’ morning show Geo Pakistan, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui dismissed the notion of conspiracy. “It is wrong to interpret the Prime Minister’s meeting with the Governor as a plot to destabilize the KP government. The vote of no confidence is a legal constitutional option, but no such proposal is under consideration right now,” Siddiqui said.
The senator emphasized that PML-N does not believe in creating political chaos, especially in a sensitive province like KP. “We will not initiate any action that throws Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a constitutional or political crisis,” he asserted.
According to official statements, the prime minister and Governor Kundi primarily discussed the recent tragedy in the Swat River, where several tourists lost their lives.
PM Shehbaz expressed sorrow over the incident and directed the authorities to enhance their disaster response capabilities to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The meeting was attended by several senior cabinet members and political advisers, including Rana Sanaullah, Amir Muqam, and Talha Burki.
Meanwhile, speaking on Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Rana Sanaullah—PM’s aide on public and political affairs—categorically denied that any discussions regarding the removal of the KP government took place in a recent meeting between PM Shehbaz and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. “I was present in the meeting, and I can confirm that there was no talk of toppling the provincial government,” Sanaullah clarified.
The denials come as PTI prepares for nationwide protests after the Supreme Court’s June 27 verdict, which ruled that PTI is not entitled to reserved seats for women and minorities due to its failure to comply with electoral procedures. The federal government, however, has warned PTI against inciting unrest under the pretext of peaceful demonstrations.
Adding to the clarification, the Awami National Party (ANP) also distanced itself from any attempt to dismantle the PTI-led setup in KP. ANP Central Spokesperson Engineer Ehsanullah Khan stated in a media interview that ANP is not involved in any plans to remove the provincial government or engage in horse-trading.
“We are democrats and believe in upholding constitutional values. Any undemocratic action is against the ANP’s tradition,” he said, adding that while some parties may be exploring the idea of a joint opposition forming the government in KP, ANP has no part in such efforts.
Ehsanullah also addressed the recent meeting between ANP President Aimal Wali Khan and PM Shehbaz Sharif, clarifying that the conversation revolved around the broader national political situation and not about engineering a power shift in KP.
As political temperatures continue to rise, the federal government and opposition parties in KP appear to be treading carefully, aware of the potential fallout of any destabilizing move. For now, all official statements suggest that the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains secure—at least from external political maneuvering.
