The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly witnessed a historic moment on Friday as Ali Amin Gandapur, representing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), clinched the prestigious title of Chief Minister for the province, marking a significant triumph for the party.
Gandapur emerged victorious in the highly anticipated election, securing a commanding 90 votes, while his contender from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Ibadullah Khan, trailed behind with a modest 16 votes.
A seasoned political figure, Gandapur’s ascent to power is underscored by his extensive experience, having previously served as a federal minister and being elected as both a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) and the Provincial Assembly in the 2024 general elections.
This momentous appointment follows PTI founder Imran Khan’s nomination of Gandapur for the esteemed position earlier in February, signaling a strategic move within the party’s leadership.
However, Gandapur’s journey to the helm is not devoid of controversy, as reports surface linking him to various assault and corruption cases across multiple police stations in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
Despite the cloud of allegations, Gandapur exudes confidence and ambition for his tenure, expressing a commitment to prioritize sectors such as minerals and tourism, acknowledging their pivotal roles in the province’s development.
Asserting the provincial government’s determination to uphold rights, Gandapur emphasized, “We are not begging. We are just asking for our rights,” hinting at potential confrontations in the pursuit of justice for the people.
The swearing-in ceremony on February 28, officiated by Speaker Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, marked the formal induction of the newly-elected assembly members, heralding a new era under Gandapur’s leadership.