Political temperatures are rising in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Governor Faisal Karim Kundi warned that a no-confidence motion in KP Assembly could be tabled against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur if the opposition gains just one more member.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader said, “We are not conspiring, but the day we have a majority, it will be our democratic right to move a no-confidence motion.”
The statement comes after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), acting on Supreme Court orders, reinstated reserved seats that were previously withdrawn. This major development has significantly boosted the opposition’s numbers—from 27 to over 50—creating fresh speculation about the future of the PTI-backed government in the province.
Opposition gaining momentum
Twenty-one reserved seats for women were reallocated, with 8 going to JUI-F, 6 to PML-N, and 5 to PPP. One seat each was awarded to the ANP and PTI Parliamentarians. Additionally, four minority seats were restored—2 to JUI-F and 1 each to PML-N and PPP.
This shift leaves the PTI, which has 93 MPAs elected as independents, facing an increasingly empowered opposition. With the numbers now tilting, talk of a no-confidence motion in KP Assembly is no longer just political gossip.
Despite the buzz, JUI-F, a key player in the opposition bloc, has clarified that it does not plan to support any campaign to oust the current government. “Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a seasoned politician, and we regularly consult with him,” Kundi said, signalling ongoing behind-the-scenes dialogue.
Denials and clarifications
The PML-N, a major ruling party at the federal level, has distanced itself from any such move. A recent meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Governor Kundi raised eyebrows, prompting denials from government allies.
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui dismissed the meeting as a conspiracy, stating, “We won’t take any steps that could push KP into crisis.” Similarly, PM’s aide on political affairs, Sanaullah, said no talks of a no-trust move were held with JUI-F leader Fazl during their June 20 meeting.
ANP criticizes political undercurrents
Meanwhile, Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan slammed the reinstatement of reserved seats as a breach of public trust. “It’s weakening the democratic system,” he said, adding that the ANP will oppose any form of horse-trading.
Khan also took aim at CM Gandapur, accusing him of using bold statements to distract from his government’s shortcomings. Despite criticism, he claimed influential powers still back Gandapur and are not interested in seeing the provincial government fall.
Chief Minister Gandapur has brushed aside these developments, boldly declaring that his government cannot be removed constitutionally. “Try if you want—I’ll quit politics. Our government belongs to the PTI founder,” he said in a recent fiery statement.
