Security detail of Ali Amin Gandapur 'withdrawn' amid rift with KP CM

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The security detail assigned to former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reportedly been withdrawn, sparking controversy and conflicting claims over who ordered the move.

Sources said a 16-member police squad deployed from Peshawar for Gandapur’s protection was recalled late Monday night. The contingent included two jammer operators, eight gunmen and six drivers working in shifts. Of the total personnel, 14 were assigned to Gandapur, while two were deployed for his brother, MNA Faisal Amin Gandapur.

While the security detail from Peshawar has been withdrawn, Gandapur continues to have police protection from his native Dera Ismail Khan district. It remains unclear who authorised the recall, as the press secretary to incumbent Chief Minister Sohail Afridi denied that any such orders were issued.

According to sources close to the former chief minister, one jammer and a double-cabin pickup vehicle provided by the provincial government were returned. They claimed that Gandapur and his brother personally contacted the officer who conveyed the alleged orders from the chief minister to verify the authenticity of the instructions.

In a statement, Gandapur said that at around 11pm, the deputy chief security officer (CSO) of the chief minister contacted his security staff and directed them to withdraw the detail. “I had one jammer and one double-cabin vehicle provided by the provincial government, and 14 personnel were deployed with that vehicle,” he said.

“When these personnel informed me, I told them to pack up everything. This is the actual truth,” Gandapur stated, adding that even if the security were restored, he would refuse to accept it. “I want to tell the chief minister that there is no need to return this security to me now. I do not need it,” he asserted.

However, the chief minister’s press secretary rejected the claims, saying no decision had been taken to withdraw Gandapur’s security and no instructions had been issued to the relevant authorities.

Gandapur’s spokesperson, Faraz Ahmed Mughal, maintained that the withdrawal was carried out on the instructions of Chief Minister Afridi, alleging that the Chief Minister’s Office contacted the security in-charge and directed immediate compliance.

Gandapur has previously faced security threats, including a hand grenade attack at his residence. Official sources said decisions regarding security deployment are made in line with threat assessments and administrative considerations.

Political observers described the development as significant, particularly in light of reported differences between Gandapur and Chief Minister Afridi in recent weeks.