Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has strongly warned the federal government against imposing an economic emergency in the province. He declared that if the federal government proceeds with such a move, the provincial assembly will be dissolved immediately. This stern warning signals rising tensions between the provincial government and the federation.
The statement came during a meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet, where ministers unanimously supported Gandapur’s tough stance. The cabinet granted him full authority to take all necessary actions, including dissolving the assembly, to protect the province’s political and economic autonomy. They vowed to resist any federal attempts to undermine the province under the pretext of economic emergency.
Gandapur emphasized that the federal government should not misuse the economic emergency as a cover for political interference or to sabotage the province’s development. He asserted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will not tolerate any conspiracies or efforts to weaken its government through such emergency powers. The cabinet also expressed confidence in the province’s ability to manage its affairs independently.
Earlier, while presenting the provincial budget, Gandapur had stated that they would not approve the budget unless they consulted PTI founder Imran Khan on budgetary proposals. This highlights the close alignment of the provincial government with its party leadership and indicates continued resistance to federal pressures. The provincial government’s firm stand reflects deepening political divisions in the country.
This confrontation adds to ongoing tensions between the federal government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The federal government’s potential move to impose an economic emergency is seen as an attempt to assert control over provincial resources and governance. Meanwhile, the provincial leadership vows to defend its rights vigorously, signaling possible political instability ahead.