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Ali Amin Gandapur

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Ali Amin Gandapur
Gandapur in 2024
18th Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Incumbent
Assumed office
2 March 2024
GovernorHaji Ghulam Ali
Faisal Karim Kundi
Preceded byArshad Hussain Shah (caretaker)
Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan
In office
13 August 2018 – 17 January 2023
ConstituencyNA-38 (Dera Ismail Khan-I)
Provincial Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Revenue and Estate
In office
17 June 2013 – 28 May 2018
Member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Incumbent
Assumed office
28 February 2024
ConstituencyPK-113 Dera Ismail Khan-III
In office
31 May 2013 – 28 May 2018
ConstituencyPK-64 Dera Ismail Khan-I
President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Incumbent
Assumed office
3 June 2023
ChairmanImran Khan
Preceded byPervez Khattak
Personal details
Political partyPTI (2008-present)
RelationsFaisal Amin Khan Gandapur (brother)
EducationSaint Helen’s Public School DI Khan
Police Public School Peshawar
Government College University, Lahore (FSc)
National College of Arts
Gomal University (BA)[1]

Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur is a Pakistani politician who is currently serving as the 18th Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in office since 2 March 2024. He served as the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan from 5 October 2018 to 10 April 2022. He had been a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from August 2018 till January 2023.[2][3]

Previously, he was a member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from 2013 to 2018 and served as Provincial Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Revenue for the same period of time. He contested his first election in 2013, winning in PK-94 Dera Ismail Khan, he would win again later on in 2018. He contested 2 seats, PK-97 Dera Ismail Khan City 1, and NA-38, winning both seats. In 2024, he was elected again to a seat in the Provincial Assembly, winning in PK-113 Dera Ismail Khan.

Early life and education

Ali belongs to a politically active Gandapur tribe of Pashtuns from Kulachi, Dera Ismail Khan. His father Aminullah Gandapur served as a caretaker cabinet member under Pervez Musharraf.[4] His brother Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur is also a politician.

He completed his early education at Saint Helen's High School, Dera Ismail Khan. Due to his keen interest in sports as a squash player, he shifted to Peshawar and matriculated from the Police Model School. He later received his BA from Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan.[5]

Political career

Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

He was elected to the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a candidate of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from the PK-64 (Dera Ismail Khan-I) in 2013 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial election. He received 14,047 votes and defeated an independent candidate, Qayyum Nawaz.[6]

Provincial Minister in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Following his successful election, he was inducted into the provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet of Chief Minister Pervez Khattak[7] and was made Provincial Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Revenue and Estate.[8]

National Assembly

He was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan as a candidate of PTI from Constituency NA-38 (Dera Ismail Khan-I) in 2018 Pakistani general election.[9]

Federal Minister

On 5 October 2018, he was inducted into the federal cabinet of Prime Minister Imran Khan[10] and was appointed Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan.[11]

Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2024-present)

See also: Gandapur ministry

He was elected to the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a second time in the 2024 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial election, running on an independent ticket affiliated with the PTI. Following his successful election as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), he was voted in as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by a majority of 90 votes with the runner-up, Ibadullah Khan, receiving 16.[12] Following his oath-taking, he pledged to tackle crime, especially drug trafficking, initiate political reforms, and tackle corruption.[13] Zalmay Azad writing in The Friday Times claimed in June 2024 that Gandapur's tenure as Chief Minister has been marked "unfulfilled promises" and a "significant gap between his rhetoric and reality."[14]

As Chief Minister, Gandapur has expressed his commitment to resuming the province's development initiatives. He has prioritized the restoration and expansion of the Sehat Insaf Card for public welfare and highlighted the importance of law and order, identifying the establishment of lasting peace as a top priority. Gandapur has also indicated his intention to attract foreign investment to the province and has pledged to work with the federal government to safeguard the province's rights.[15]

Land and property reforms

In a meeting with the KP Auqaf Department, Gandapur directed the initiation of GIS mapping and the creation of an Assets Management Unit for auqaf properties, together with a Quran Mahal in Peshawar to preserve old Qu'ran copies. In another meeting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Governments (Property Lease) Rules, 2024 was announced, extending the lease period of new "large-scale investments" of up to 90-years.[16]

Gandapur also stated that his government would put a special emphasis on governing the newly merged tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Gandapur and a senior minister in his cabinet, Arshad Ayub Khan met with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in March 2024 and initiated an 'urban revitalization' program which aims to expand and refurbish Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's major cities. Gandapur also stated that his government would prioritize social services and the environment. As part of Gandapur's projects, he also began the Billion Tree Plus project which aims to curb rising deforestation in the province.[17]

Healthcare

Within the first 10 days in office, on 12 March 2024, Ali Amin Gandapur and his government restored medical facilities under the Sehat Insaf Card after it had been suspended for almost a year by the previous caretaker government due to a lack of funds.[18] In September 2024, free healthcare coverage was also restored on the card after it has been discontinued due to an insurance company.[19]

The Health Department, under Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Provincial Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah announced a program aiming to expand free healthcare coverage under the Sehat Insaf Card and Ehsaas Programmes to 1 million people.[20] Additionally, a ‘stringent’ crackdown on drugs was ordered by Gandapur, as part of an anti-drug plan, which saw the rehabilitation of 2,000 drug addicts in Peshawar and seizures of illegal drugs.[21]

Flagship development projects outline

On 17 October 2024, Gandapur and his Finance advisor, Muzzammil Aslam, approved several key development projects for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). These flagship projects include life insurance coverage for the entire provincial population, the establishment of the province’s own Islamic Takaful insurance company, a solarisation program, and a home-stay tourism scheme. Other approved projects include the construction of the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, a 120-kilometre-long transmission line, the creation of a trade corridor hub, and a debt management fund. The provincial government aims to complete these initiatives by the end of 2027. The life insurance scheme is the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s second major social security initiative after the Sehat Insaf Card, offering compensation of Rs500,000 to Rs1,000,000 to the heirs of deceased family heads. Additionally, the government plans to construct a 365-kilometre-long motorway to improve trade links between KPK, Punjab, and Balochistan and will build a transmission line to supply affordable electricity to local industries. The solarisation scheme plans to provide solar units to 130,000 low-income households and government buildings, while the home-stay tourism program will offer loans to residents in remote areas to promote tourism. The government also plans to establish a trade corridor hub at Torkham and a debt management fund to strengthen financial stability.[22]

KP Solar Scheme

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has announced the KP Solar Scheme, a project to deliver free solar panels to 130,000 citizens in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project was inaugurated on 15 August 2024.[23] The initiative was launched due to rising costs for electricity bills and rising electricity demands countrywide, while Gandapur has emphasized solar energy as the solution.[24] A package including solar panels, wiring and panel stands has been announced to be delivered to impoverished families living in hotter areas of the province, applicable through online registration. He announced 30,000 solar panels would be delivered to poor families in tribal districts.[23]

Anti-unemployment measures

To address unemployment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gandapur initiated 3 new welfare programs under the wing of the Ehsaas Programme. These programs include: the Ehsaas Rozgar Programme, Ehsaas Nojawan Rozgar Programme and Ehsaas Hunar Programmes. The Ehsaas Rozgar Programme and Nojawan Rozgar Programmes aim to give soft loans of Rs10 million or interest-free loans of Rs200,000 for young business owners or youth attempting to start a business. Meanwhile, the Ehsaas Hunar Programme aims to give interest-free loans of Rs500,000 for new businesses owners to curb unemployment. Additionally, Gandapur launched the Ehsaas Apna Ghar Programme initiative which allows for civilian loans of up to Rs1.5 million for the construction or expansion of residential homes.[25]

Allegation of corruption

Shakeel Khan, who served as the Communication and Works Minister in the Gandapur ministry, has accused the department's secretary of disbursing Rs6.87 billion to contractors without his approval. He stated that these funds were released between May and June 2024 under the direction of Gandapur. Khan also alleged that the secretary confessed to taking a 10-20% commission on the disbursed amount, which included payments of Rs200 million to Gandapur and Rs100 million to other influential figures, all on Gandapur's instructions. Furthermore, Khan claimed that the secretary offered him a bribe of Rs30 million, later increased to Rs50 million along with a new car, in exchange for his silence, but he refused and claimed that he decided to expose the corruption.[26] In response to the allegations, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) formed a three-member committee to watch over Gandapur’s government.[27]

De-notification of PTI members

Following the allegations of Shakeel Khan, Gandapur was seen "sending a strong message to those criticizing his governance" by relieving Mohammad Atif Khan, Sher Ali Arbab and Junaid Akbar from their parties positions. According to The News International "Atif Khan and another PTI MNA Junaid Akbar Khan had taken a stand for the former provincial minister for communication and works Shakeel Ahmad Khan when Chief Minister Gandapur removed him from the provincial cabinet allegedly on corruption charges."[28] According to another press media, The Express Tribune, "sources reported that Atif Khan's removal followed his public support for the dismissed Minister Shakeel Khan, while Sher Ali Arbab's refusal to sign a declaration of confidence in the Chief Minister led to his ouster."[29] In Business Recorder, "sources said that MNAs Atif Khan, Junaid Akbar Khan, and ex-provincial minister Shakeel Khan held detailed meetings with Arif Alvi. They complained about the chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, saying he is completely ignoring the leaders and workers who raise voice against the injustices within the party."[30]

Controversies

Accusations of having paraded a girl naked

He was accused of being involved in a case where a girl was allegedly stripped and publicly humiliated in his village in 2017.[31][32] Gandapur visited the girl and maintained that he had not supported the accused and offered to take financial responsibility of the girl.[33]

Accusations of sexism

At several occasions, Gandapur made provocative and sexist remarks about Maryam Nawaz with aggressive language. In 2020, he remarked, "She is beautiful but she spent millions on her surgeries from the taxpayers’ money". In 2021, He referred to Maryam as a daku rani (queen of thieves) and alleged that she underwent a cosmetic surgery worth Rs80 million. He stated, "I have more to reveal, but I'll only say this to her: if we resort to slapping, she will be slapped so hard that her true face, covered by the Rs80 million surgery funded by taxpayers, will be revealed."[32][34]

In March 2024, during a session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly, Sobia Shahid, faced sexual harassment and lewd gestures from male PTI members when she displayed wristwatches, symbolizing allegations against PTI leader Imran Khan for purchasing wristwatches from the state treasury at a discounted price and selling them at a higher price to make a profit. Gandapur, recently elected as the leader of the house, addressed the incident by saying "she asked for it," suggesting that Sobia Shahid should have expected such behavior beforehand when she waved the wristwatches.[35][36]

Alleged ties to the military establishment

Gandapur has been accused of being close or having ties with Pakistan's military establishment,[37] and being engaged in "back-door contacts" with it,[38] previously having claimed in March that "Imran Khan will decide on reconciliation with the establishment" and stated that the establishment and state institutions “are ours”.[39] In April he was nominated to be a part of a PTI group including Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz charged with holding talks with the Establishment and stated PTI were ready for talks.[40][41] Gandapur has noted that “[w]e won't keep anything [regarding negotiations with the establishment] secret,”[42] and “Khan sahib has given the task now. He has named the people [for negotiations]. When it happens it will come before everyone. Nothing will happen in secret.”[43] On August 3, Gandapur stated that "No substantial outcome emerged in the interactions [with the establishment]”,[44] He further remarked that "The government urges us to negotiate, but we assert that you are not even the government, so what should we negotiate with you?"[45] On August 27, the CM stated that the Establishment contacted him to cancel a scheduled rally in Islamabad, claiming that after this he consulted Imran Khan,[46] the rally in turn would be rescheduled to 8 September, with the party claiming a government conspiracy.[47][48] Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also claimed that the government had contacted Gandapur to cancel the rally.[49] Gandapur on May 25 also stated that he had met with COAS Gen Asim Munir at a meeting of the SIFC to convey KPK's concerns;[50] while clarifying that the meetings did involve Imran Khan and were limited to greetings and economic affairs.[51]

However, in more recent reports, Gandapur has reportedly proven his critics wrong, and has affirmed an anti-establishment stance alongside Imran Khan, primarily by directly naming the establishment as responsible in public speeches. It is also suggested he was playing a “double game” against the establishment, while his loyalties lied with PTI.[52]

Arrests

Firearms and liquor

Gandapur was charged by Islamabad Police on 31 October 2016, for allegedly carrying and exhibiting unlicensed firearms and liquor. These items were reportedly found in Gandapur's vehicle outside PTI Chairman Imran Khan's residence when he arrived for the party's scheduled capital lockdown.[53]

May 9 riots

In February 2024, Gandapur was declared a proclaimed offender for his alleged participation in the 2023 May 9 riots.[54] Later, in March, an Anti-Terrorism Court issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest.[55]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Ali Amin Gandapur: Why is the embattled politician PTI's top choice for KP CM-ship?". 1 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 August 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  2. ^ "Ali Amin Gandapur: A perilous gamble for PTI in KPK". The Nation. 14 February 2024. Archived from the original on 19 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  3. ^ "Ali Amin Gandapur to be sworn in as KP chief minister tomorrow". 1 March 2024. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Posts of power: Provincial cabinet offers diverse blend". The Express Tribune. 13 June 2013. Archived from the original on 6 August 2023.
  5. ^ "Ali Amin". www.pakp.gov.pk. KP Assembly. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  6. ^ "2013 election result" (PDF). ECP. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  7. ^ Dawn (14 June 2013). "12 KP ministers take oath". dawn.com. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  8. ^ "Portfolios of KP ministers announced". www.pakistantoday.com.pk. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  9. ^ "PTI's Ali Amin wins NA-38 elections". Associated Press Of Pakistan. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  10. ^ "Six federal ministers administered oath". dawn.com. 6 October 2018. Archived from the original on 7 July 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
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  16. ^ Tribune (13 July 2024). "K-P government to establish Quran Mahal". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
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  18. ^ "Sehat Card facilities 'resume' after months-long suspension". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  19. ^ "Free treatment restored on Sehat Card". The Express Tribune. 8 September 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  20. ^ Mateen, Abdul (29 July 2024). "KPK Government Launches Free Healthcare Program for One Million Citizens". Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  21. ^ "KP CM directs stringent crackdown against drug addicts". Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  22. ^ "Life insurance program for entire province among seven flagship projects approved by KP government". The Express Tribune. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  23. ^ a b Khan, Jehanzeb (15 August 2024). "KP CM inaugurates solar scheme design, online application". Mashriq Vibe. Archived from the original on 18 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  24. ^ "BIG NEWS: 2kW Solar System for Everyone in KPK 2024". solarpanelrates.pk. 23 July 2024. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  25. ^ "CM wants implementation of youth livelihood schemes". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  26. ^ Itfan Moosazai (17 August 2024). "Ex-KP minister Shakeel Khan exposes billion-rupee corruption". Samaa TV. Archived from the original on 17 August 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
  27. ^ "Corruption allegations: PTI forms panel to keep an eye on KP govt". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  28. ^ "Rift in PTI deepens as Gandapur removes key leaders from party positions". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  29. ^ Tribune (27 August 2024). "PTI's internal power struggle escalates in K-P as CM Gandapur removes top arty leaders". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  30. ^ Ahmad, Zulfiqar (29 August 2024). "Alvi starts meeting PTI disgruntled leaders". Brecorder. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
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  32. ^ a b "Nomination of Ali Amin Gandapur as KP CM Sparks Controversy". 14 February 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  33. ^ "Gandapur offers to take financial responsibility of girl assaulted in DI Khan". 13 November 2017. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  34. ^ "Federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur's sexist comments about Maryam Nawaz stir anger and disgust on Twitter". 24 July 2021.
  35. ^ "Sobia Shahid's Abuse In Assembly Proves How Vulnerable Women Are In Politics". Journalism for Human Rights in Pakistan. 2 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 August 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  36. ^ Sawaal Yeh Hai (in Urdu). ARY News. 3 March 2024. Event occurs at 28:27. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  37. ^ "Gandapur behaves as predicted". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 1 September 2024. Gandapur was Imran Khan's choice as CM but within the PTI some accuse him to being a man of the military establishment.
  38. ^ "Gandapur engaged in 'back-door contacts' with institutions". www.thenews.com.pk. 7 June 2024.
  39. ^ "Imran to decide on reconciliation with establishment: Gandapur". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  40. ^ Asad, Malik (30 April 2024). "Gandapur, Omar, Shibli to 'hold talks on PTI's behalf'". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  41. ^ "PTI ready to talk to establishment: CM Gandapur". The Nation. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  42. ^ Dawn (2 May 2024). "We won't speak to establishment secretly, says CM Gandapur". DAWN.COM.
  43. ^ Ali, Kamran (1 May 2024). "Gandapur says talks with establishment to be held in the open". Aaj English TV. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  44. ^ "CM Gandapur confirms 'multiple inconclusive interactions' with establishment". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  45. ^ "'No solid outcomes yet': Gandapur on talks with establishment". The Express Tribune. 3 August 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  46. ^ Staff, Web Desk (27 August 2024). "KP CM Gandapur claims establishment contacted him to cancel Islamabad rally". Pakistan Observer. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  47. ^ "KP CM Gandapur vows power show on Sept 8". www.24newshd.tv. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  48. ^ Awan, Fahad Bashir | Afzal Javed | Aqsa Khurshid | Ahsan Ahmed Abbasi | Kashan (22 August 2024). "PTI postpones Islamabad rally at eleventh hour due to 'chaos', announces new date". Aaj English TV. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  49. ^ "Government approached Gandapur to cancel PTI rally, says Tarar". Aaj English TV. 24 August 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  50. ^ BR Web (25 May 2024). "Gandapur says met army chief during SIFC meeting to convey KP's concerns". Brecorder. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  51. ^ "Gandapur-COAS interaction limited to pleasantries". The Express Tribune. 26 May 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  52. ^ "Ali Amin Gandapur: Proving Critics Wrong". The Friday Times. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  53. ^ Arsalan Altaf (8 December 2016). "Gandapur granted bail in guns and 'honey' case". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 18 August 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  54. ^ Jahangir Akram Khan (14 February 2024). "May 9 violence: Strategy devised to arrest Ali Amin Gandapur among others". Samaa. Archived from the original on 5 March 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  55. ^ "Arrest warrants for Ali Amin Gandapur issued". ARY News. 19 March 2024. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
Political offices
Preceded by Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
2024 – present 		Incumbent
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