Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur (KPK), was last seen in Islamabad leading the large convoy of protestors for KPK into the federal capital, Islamabad. Before disappearing, the witnesses spotted him multiple times near China Chowk, close to D-Chowk.
The controversy arose when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the immediate release of Gandapur.
The government and PTI made contradictory claims on the disappearance of the KP Chief Minister. The CM allegedly disappeared on 5th October for KP House Islamabad. CM remained on the scene for 24 hours and appeared during the KP assembly session last night.
The government and PTI leaders stated their stance on the issue, which could not be confirmed independently so for.
Gandapur’s created a “Drama” – Attaullah Tarar
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reacted to the sudden reappearance of Gandapur in the KP Assembly, stating that the KP Chief Minister “staged drama” through his disappearance. “Why was this drama staged? Why did the CM run away and abandon his supporters without any help, then hide himself, and then return to KP? Where was he for the last 24 hours?” he questioned.
PTI is undermining state institutions – Rana Sanaullah
Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah stated that PTI aimed to malign state institutions under the pretext of Gandapur’s kidnapping rumors. While talking at a program, He called Gandapur’s escape a stunt to undermine the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference.
It’s an attack on federation: Ahsan Iqbal
Pakistan’s planning minister, Ahsan Iqbal says that Gandapur, along with KP government officials, launched an attack on the federation during the protest. He also stated that the KP chief minister fabricated a story about his disappearance.
PTI team operated against the federal government from home – Uzma Bukhari
While speaking at a press conference, Provincial Minister of Punjab for Information and Culture, Uzma Bukhari said that the PTI workers planned and executed operations against the federal government from home. She added that Gandapur used KP’s resources against the government.
PTI is trying to sabotage SCO in the county – Mohsin Naqvi
During a media briefing, Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi addressed the situation, stating, “The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not in the custody of any federal agency; he has chosen to go into hiding voluntarily.” Naqvi’s remarks have sparked further inquiries into the chief minister’s actions and the reasons behind his abrupt disappearance.
Naqvi accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of attempting to disrupt the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) event. After Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s appearance in the assembly, Naqvi stated, “We have a video confirming that Ali Amin Gandapur has left.”
“The PTI is willing to endanger lives. They have failed to achieve their objectives,” he asserted.
Naqvi emphasized that decisions regarding the current situation rest with the president and prime minister. He criticized the PTI leadership, saying, “They [PTI leaders] enjoy their time at home while leaving their workers to face arrests.”
Asad Qaiser’s claims
While PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser in Peshawar stated, “This isn’t merely an assault on Ali Amin; it’s an assault on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa if the chief minister is not released, we will initiate protests nationwide”.
He voiced his worries about Gandapur’s location, noting that there has been no reliable information since his last sighting. “The government needs to explain this extraordinary situation,” Qaiser emphasized.
The newly released CCTV footage from K-P House in Islamabad captures Gandapur entering the building in a black shalwar kameez.
Shortly after, he is seen leaving in different civilian attire, accompanied by several individuals in plain clothes, including police officers.
This footage indicates that Gandapur left the protest voluntarily rather than being forcibly taken.
While some political figures had previously asserted that Gandapur was arrested or abducted, these revelations suggest he retreated on his own accord.
The release of this footage, along with Faisal Amin’s leaked audio conversation, bolsters the theory that the chief minister intentionally left the protest.
Journalists questioned Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi about Gandapur’s status. Rizvi confirmed that law enforcement had conducted a raid at K-P House in search of Gandapur but could not locate him. “We do not know his whereabouts. He is not in our custody,” Rizvi stated.
Gandapur returns to the KP Assembly
After his return to the KP Assembly, Gandapur stated, “The government is afraid of something; why are we not allowed to hold rallies?”
He announced intentions to file a case against the Islamabad IGP, insisting, “The Islamabad IGP must apologize on the assembly floor.”
Gandapur confirmed his presence in Islamabad the previous night, asserting, “Let the federal government know, I was in Islamabad last night. Anyone responsible for the vandalism at the KP House must apologize.”
“I left the KP House alone, crossing 12 districts to get here,” he added.
CM Gandapur expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations, stating, “I am ready to negotiate for Pakistan.”
Cases booked against Gandapur
During the PTI protest, a case was filed against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, and other leaders for obstructing and vandalizing the Tarnool GT police station in Islamabad.
The Tarnool police station in Islamabad registered a case for blocking the GT road and vandalism during the PTI protest. Additionally, Gandapur is charged in a previous liquor recovery case. He also faces charges related to attacking state institutions and damaging state property.
