Amid growing conspiracy theories surrounding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s hours-long “disappearance” following the Islamabad protests, Adviser to the KP CM Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif firmly denied any deal between the provincial leader and institutions.
“It is false that CM Gandapur made any deal [with institutions],” Saif said during an appearance on Geo News’ program “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath” on Monday.
These comments came after CM Gandapur resurfaced on Sunday, following his mysterious absence after Islamabad police, along with Rangers, entered KP House, where Gandapur and several party workers had taken refuge amid protests. The demonstrations, led by the former ruling party, were aimed at securing judicial independence and the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Speculation had mounted over Gandapur’s alleged arrest, but during a heated address at the KP Assembly, the chief minister insisted that he had remained inside KP House throughout. “The police raided KP House multiple times. I was there the whole night,” Gandapur declared.
Barrister Saif explained that the chief minister had left his phone behind and was out of contact with everyone, which caused concern. He also dismissed claims of Gandapur’s arrest, noting that the CM was on bail and would have voluntarily surrendered if there had been any warrant against him.
Saif took a jab at the current government, stating, “Those who make deals are in power courtesy of Form 47,” referring to accusations of electoral manipulation in the February 8 elections.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, however, remained critical of Gandapur, calling him a “swindler” and adding that even PTI supporters were criticizing him on social media. Asif claimed Gandapur had entered KP via Haripur and spent the night at PTI leader Omar Ayub’s residence.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also criticized Gandapur, accusing him of staging a drama and questioning his role in disrupting law and order during the Islamabad protests.
