Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has dismissed speculations about the provincial government’s instability, asserting that no member is defecting.

“Our government is strong, and no one is going anywhere,” Gandapur said while speaking to the media in Peshawar.

“The narrative that the budget should not be presented was spread by our own people. Had the budget not passed, the government would have fallen — and the blame would’ve been on us.”

Taking a jab at the KP governor, Gandapur said, “He cannot do us any harm.”

He reaffirmed that security and peace during Muharram remain a top priority.

“Our security forces are doing an excellent job, and I pay tribute to their dedication. The health department is also fulfilling its duties diligently.”

‘Today is not a day for politics’

Calling for reflection on Islamic history, Gandapur said, “Today is not for politics. We must learn from the lessons of Muharram. Practising Islam leads to peace in this world and the Hereafter.”

He pledged improvements in rescue services and provision of necessary equipment to departments, while also vowing that anti-encroachment operations would not be driven by political motives.

Legal battle for reserved seats

The chief minister also announced plans to approach the courts regarding reserved seats, arguing that he had clearly identified himself as a PTI member in his nomination papers.

“I am not an independent candidate. I declared my affiliation with PTI during nomination.”

Swat tragedy compensation

Referring to the Swat river drowning incident that affected a family from Daska, Gandapur said: “They are demanding government jobs, but public employment in KP cannot be granted on the basis of Punjab’s domicile.”

Instead, he announced a compensation package of Rs20 lakh per person, totalling Rs20 million, and even offered guidance on how the family could invest the money into a sustainable business.

Call for Afghan trade revival

Gandapur also advocated for the revival of trade with Afghanistan, and took aim at those opposing Afghan citizenship.

“People chase foreign nationalities for themselves but deny citizenship to Afghans. This double standard must end,” he remarked.