Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has signalled that a no-confidence motion could be tabled against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, citing recent changes in the assembly’s composition.
The development comes after the Election Commission of Pakistan, following Supreme Court orders, reinstated reserved seats previously allotted to the PML-N, PPP, JUI-F, and ANP, seats that had earlier been denied to the PTI, thereby boosting the opposition’s strength in the provincial assembly.
As a result, the PTI-backed independents still hold 93 seats, but the opposition’s numbers have surged past 50 from 27. The restored seats include 21 for women (allocated to JUI-F, PML-N, PPP, ANP, and PTI Parliamentarians) and four for minorities.
Governor Kundi, a PPP leader, clarified: “We are not plotting against CM Gandapur, but if the opposition secures just one more member, it is our democratic right to move a no-confidence motion.”
Meanwhile, CM Gandapur responded defiantly, insisting that his government cannot be removed through constitutional means and that it answers solely to the PTI founder.
Rumours of a plan to topple the KP government intensified after Governor Kundi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, PML-N leaders, including Senator Irfan Siddiqui and PM’s aide Rana Sanaullah, denied any conspiracy or discussion to remove the KP government, stressing they wouldn’t destabilise the province.
Separately, ANP President Aimal Wali Khan criticised what he called horse-trading and described recent developments as damaging to democracy, though he noted powerful circles seem content with Gandapur’s leadership.
