PTI’s Ali Amin Gandapur elected KP chief minister. Ali Amin Gandapur, a prominent leader from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, emerged as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) following a fiercely contested election held in the KP Assembly.
Gandapur, who had initially contested the polls as an independent candidate from KP, managed to secure the coveted position after a day-long voting process.
His main competitor, Dr. Ibadullah Khan from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), put up a strong fight for the top provincial slot.
The nomination of Gandapur by PTI founder Imran Khan for the position of KP’s leader of the house indicated a high likelihood of his victory, given the party’s substantial support in the assembly.
Throughout the electoral process, Gandapur enjoyed the backing of members from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), underscoring a strategic alliance that bolstered his candidacy.
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Conversely, Dr. Ibadullah Khan garnered support from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P), setting the stage for a tense showdown.
Gandapur’s decision to contest independently stemmed from his refusal to align with the SIC, a move divergent from PTI-backed independent winners who opted to join the party for claiming their seats.
Having previously served as the federal minister for Kashmir affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan during the PTI government’s tenure at the Centre, Gandapur brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
Additionally, his stint as a member of the KP Assembly from 2013 to 2018, including a tenure as provincial minister for revenue, further solidifies his credentials.
Educated at Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan, Gandapur’s academic background adds depth to his political profile, enhancing his suitability for the chief ministerial position.
Meanwhile, Gandapur’s adversary, Dr. Ibadullah Khan, boasts an impressive political track record, having served as a member of the National Assembly and chairman of the Standing Committee of Communications.
His candidacy presented a formidable challenge to Gandapur’s aspirations for the top provincial post.
The inaugural session of the KP Assembly witnessed the swearing-in of newly-elected lawmakers, setting the stage for the subsequent election of PTI-backed Babar Saleem Swati and Suriya Bibi as speaker and deputy speaker, respectively.
Swati secured 89 votes, while Suriya received 87 ballots, clinching their respective roles in the provincial legislature.
As PTI’s Ali Amin Gandapur elected KP chief minister, all eyes are on him to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, steering the province towards progress and prosperity under his stewardship.
