Gandapur criticises KP govt performance in leaked audio message

PESHAWAR: Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has sharply criticised the provincial government’s performance and recent legislation expanding lawmakers’ privileges in a leaked audio message that surfaced on social media late Wednesday.

The audio emerged amid backlash over a new law that widens the immunities and privileges of members of the provincial assembly. Earlier on Wednesday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi ordered a review of the contested legislation after it drew widespread criticism.

Criticism of lawmakers’ perks

In the audio message, which lasted more than six minutes and was apparently first shared in the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s WhatsApp group, Mr Gandapur said the names of lawmakers seeking enhanced benefits should be disclosed publicly. Referring to demands linked to official privileges, he said:

Those demanding arms licences, Blue Passports and other perks should be known to people,

He also said that during the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s budget session, he learned of a proposal to raise MPAs’ salaries. According to Mr Gandapur, he opposed the move because it would invite strong criticism for the party.

Mr Gandapur said he was aware that lawmakers’ salaries were insignificant, and added that while serving as chief minister he had taken up the issue with PTI founder Imran Khan. He said he had been advised not to grant such an increase. He further said he was raising the matter within party groups and would later speak publicly on it.

We cannot sacrifice our party, leader and ideology for small gains. I am no longer part of it,

Security and governance concerns

The former chief minister also referred to drone strikes, military operations and development-related issues in the province. He said drone attacks were increasing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and argued that the provincial government had failed to control the situation.

If we are silent over drone strikes, it doesn’t mean they are not happening,

He said drone attacks were causing civilian casualties and maintained that the provincial government could not avoid responsibility. Mr Gandapur also said military operations were under way in the province and claimed that two to three more were being planned.

According to him, those operations were being conducted with funding from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, and he said the provincial administration should support people displaced by military action.

Development projects and administrative transfers

Mr Gandapur also criticised the quality of development work in the province, saying party MPAs and ministers at times had to protest over substandard schemes. He questioned who should be held responsible for those shortcomings.

He further said transfers and postings of government officials had triggered protests by employees within the same departments. He also raised questions about the shifting of development funds from projects carrying liabilities to those without liabilities, as well as advance payments to contractors.