In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), political turmoil has reached a critical point as Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur faces escalating controversies that underscore a broader crisis in governance. From allegations of misusing public resources to an array of legal troubles, Gandapur’s leadership is increasingly viewed as a liability rather than a solution to the province’s challenges. With criticism mounting from political opponents, citizens, and even within his own party, KP finds itself grappling with questions of accountability, transparency, and integrity at the highest levels of government.
A recent petition filed with the Peshawar High Court accuses Gandapur of diverting public resources to support political rallies for his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). If substantiated, these allegations reveal a troubling trend of using state funds for personal or political gain, reflecting a prioritization of party interests over public welfare. As critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure continue to struggle from underfunding, such allegations have fueled public discontent and raised questions about the KP government’s commitment to serving its citizens.
Compounding Gandapur’s troubles are his legal entanglements under the Anti-Terrorism Act. In September 2024, he was charged with threatening police officers during a PTI-led protest in Lahore—a charge that adds to a growing list of legal challenges connected to accusations of inciting violence. This particular incident has cast a long shadow over Gandapur’s leadership, as it raises doubts about his ability to uphold law and order in KP. When public officials face allegations that challenge the rule of law, it erodes public confidence and undermines the very institutions meant to protect citizens’ rights.
The situation took an even darker turn on October 8, 2024, when a police officer tragically lost his life during PTI protests in Islamabad. This incident, for which both Gandapur and PTI Chairman Imran Khan were charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act, has intensified scrutiny of their roles and responsibilities in ensuring peaceful protests. The fact that public demonstrations led to violence and loss of life raises critical questions about the accountability of political leaders during such events. At a time when KP requires stability and mature leadership, Gandapur’s actions have ignited public fears about the erosion of law and order.
Adding to this litany of controversies is a long-standing case dating back to 2016, in which Gandapur faces charges for unlicensed weapons and liquor possession. His claim that the liquor bottle found in his vehicle was “honey” has been met with widespread skepticism and ridicule. This incident, though years old, continues to tarnish his public image and deepen doubts about his credibility. Moreover, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has recently revived an investigation into Gandapur’s assets, revealing transactions worth Rs 500 million linked to suspicious land acquisitions. The investigation also highlights his involvement in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust scandal, an ongoing corruption probe involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, further tightening the political pressure surrounding Gandapur.
Beyond these legal entanglements, internal divisions within PTI have only exacerbated the challenges facing Gandapur’s administration. An altercation with former KP Minister Shakeel Ahmed over corruption accusations, which was widely discussed in a PTI parliamentarians’ WhatsApp group, reflects the growing rift within the party. This incident ultimately led to Ahmed’s resignation and underscored the widening fractures within PTI—a party already struggling to maintain its unity amidst rising public scrutiny.
Perhaps most concerning, however, are Gandapur’s reported comments about female journalists during a PTI rally, which were widely criticized by media associations. In a democratic society, a free press is essential to holding leaders accountable, and any attempts to silence or intimidate journalists only foster a climate of fear and repression. Gandapur’s remarks further isolate him from the public and demonstrate a troubling disregard for the principles of a free press and public accountability—both foundational to a healthy democracy.
The list of grievances continues. Gandapur recently defended an Afghan diplomat involved in a dispute over the national anthem, an act that provoked national outrage and further damaged his credibility. Additionally, the dismissal of over 6,000 government employees, including 1,800 terminated by Gandapur himself, has only heightened public dissatisfaction. KP’s high unemployment rate, combined with these layoffs, reflects a governance strategy that appears disconnected from the economic and social realities of the province’s citizens. Rather than providing stability, the administration has deepened socio-economic challenges, raising urgent questions about its priorities.
At the heart of this situation lies a fundamental leadership crisis. Effective governance requires maturity, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to public service—qualities that Gandapur’s administration has struggled to demonstrate. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa feel increasingly abandoned, as their leaders appear more focused on personal ambitions and political maneuvering than addressing pressing issues like poverty, healthcare, and education.
As this crisis unfolds, the calls for accountability grow louder. Gandapur’s position as Chief Minister is under fire, with widespread demands for a leadership that prioritizes the welfare of KP’s citizens over personal gain. It is crucial that the judicial system intervenes to ensure transparency and ethical governance, holding leaders accountable for actions that undermine the public good. However, the responsibility for fostering change does not rest solely on the shoulders of legal authorities. The people of KP, too, have a critical role in reclaiming their voices through civic engagement and active participation in the democratic process.
For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the current political landscape is a pivotal moment. The demand for accountability, transparency, and effective leadership has never been more urgent. As citizens navigate these challenges, their unified calls for a governance rooted in integrity could be the key to a brighter future. By standing together and advocating for leaders who prioritize the public’s needs, the people of KP have the potential to shape a new trajectory for their province—a trajectory marked by stability, prosperity, and democratic values that honor their voices.
