ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur made a surprise appearance at the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday, stating that his visit was undertaken on the direct instructions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Speaking to reporters outside the court premises, Gandapur emphasized the importance of consultation with the PTI founder on crucial budget-related decisions.
“This visit was not political in nature, but a necessary step to align on key matters before the provincial budget,” Gandapur explained. “Given the economic challenges and the political complexities surrounding the province, it was important to seek guidance from Imran Khan before finalizing any decisions.”
The Chief Minister’s remarks reflect the continued influence of Imran Khan on the internal policymaking of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite his current legal battles. According to Gandapur, the party leadership remains in close coordination with Khan, who is currently incarcerated and facing multiple legal proceedings.
Gandapur also revealed that he had intended to meet with the Chief Justice of Pakistan during his visit. However, the meeting could not take place as the Chief Justice was reportedly occupied with court proceedings at the time.
The KP Chief Minister’s unexpected presence at the Supreme Court has stirred speculation about the nature of behind-the-scenes discussions within PTI, particularly with regard to governance decisions, the provincial budget, and the party’s broader political strategy.
When asked about recent rumors regarding the potential dissolution of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Gandapur neither confirmed nor denied the possibility but reiterated that, as Chief Minister, he holds the constitutional authority to make such a decision. “If and when the time is right, I won’t hesitate to exercise that power,” he remarked in a previous press interaction.
Political analysts suggest that Gandapur’s visit signals the PTI’s intention to remain firmly aligned with Imran Khan’s leadership, especially as the party navigates legal hurdles and prepares for upcoming electoral and legislative challenges.
The visit also highlights the fragile balance of governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where budgetary decisions remain intertwined with party dynamics and high-level consultations, despite the ongoing political uncertainty at the national level.
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