In his latest criticism of the incumbent government, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of attaining his parliamentary seat through what he termed a ‘flawed’ Form 47, renewing allegations of widespread rigging in the recent elections. Gandapur asserted that the current government’s formation at the federal level was the result of what he claimed was the misappropriation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) 180 seats.
Speaking to reporters outside a court, Gandapur dismissed the possibility of productive dialogue with PM Shehbaz Sharif, citing his own election victory based on Form 47 results, which he criticized as tainted. Gandapur reiterated PTI’s stance on the ciphergate issue, referring to it as a foreign intervention and conspiracy against Pakistan’s sovereignty, echoing sentiments expressed after United States Assistant Secretary Of State Donald Lu’s testimony regarding the matter before a Congressional panel.
Gandapur emphasized that PTI remained steadfast in its position, citing Asad Majeed’s confirmation of Lu’s statement and questioning why PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, would face consequences if the alleged cipher did not exist, as per Lu’s testimony.
Asserting vehement opposition to foreign interference, Gandapur emphasized his party’s commitment to protecting Pakistan’s internal affairs. He attributed the incumbent government’s purported failure to deliver on promises to a lack of national support.
Responding to queries, Gandapur affirmed PTI’s dedication to addressing public grievances in KP, while highlighting pending financial dues owed to the province by the Centre.
Gandapur’s remarks come amid widespread allegations from various political quarters, including PTI, regarding electoral manipulation in the 2024 elections, citing discrepancies between Form 45 records prepared by presiding officers and the released Form 47 results.
The KP CM made these statements following appearances in court to address various legal matters. He attended a hearing at an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad, where he filed a pre-arrest bail petition related to vandalism at a judicial complex. The ATC approved Gandapur’s bail plea, requiring him to submit Rs50,000 surety bonds.
During the hearing, Gandapur’s legal counsel denied his involvement in the vandalism incident, citing his absence from the location. The defense also highlighted alleged interference preventing Gandapur from attending court proceedings.
Subsequently, Gandapur pursued the suspension of arrest warrants issued by civil and judicial courts in separate cases, underscoring ongoing legal challenges faced by the KP CM.
