Khawaja Asif Hints at Gandapur’s Arrest, Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has dropped a strong hint about the potential arrest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, along with the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in the province. Speaking at a press conference, Asif expressed concerns about the law and order situation in KP, fueled by Gandapur’s ongoing legal issues. He mentioned that the federal government would be forced to consider governor’s rule if the provincial administration fails to uphold the rule of law.

The political turmoil in KP has been exacerbated by Gandapur’s involvement in several legal battles, with federal government sources suggesting that his arrest is inevitable. Khawaja Asif underscored that the law must be respected regardless of political affiliations, and that no individual, including the chief minister, is above it. This statement has sparked speculation that a major shake-up in KP’s administration may be on the horizon.

Governor’s rule is often seen as a last resort when a provincial government is unable or unwilling to maintain control over law and order. If imposed, it would represent a significant challenge to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership, which controls the provincial assembly in KP. PTI supporters have already begun mobilizing in defense of Gandapur, accusing the federal government of using political vendettas to destabilize the province.

The KP government has yet to respond officially to Khawaja Asif’s remarks, but opposition leaders in the province have voiced support for any measures that restore order. As the federal government contemplates its next steps, the political landscape in KP remains volatile, with the looming threat of governor’s rule hanging over the province.