Altaf condemns impediments in KP CM election; calls It “Injustice to Pashtuns”
LONDON. [UK]. October 12: Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) founding leader and Supremo Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned what he described as “undemocratic manoeuvres” and “deliberate impediments” being created in the election of a new KP Chief Minister in, terming it a grave injustice to the Pashtun people and their elected representatives.
In his address during the 329th Intellectual Session on TikTok, Altaf Hussain said that the replacement of the KP Chief Minister is a constitutional, legal, and democratic process, but certain quarters are creating unnecessary hurdles.
He pointed out that propaganda had been launched against PTI’s nominated candidate for Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, while threatening statements were reportedly issued by the military’s DG ISPR against the party.
He noted that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had already submitted a handwritten resignation, but it was yet to be formally approved.
According to Hussain, reports indicate that the opposition plans to approach the High Court seeking a stay order to halt the election of a new Chief Minister until Gandapur’s resignation is accepted. The KP Governor, he said, has also raised objections over the resignation, demanding Gandapur appear in person for verification, while claiming to be out of the city until October 15.
“This deliberate delay seems aimed at political manoeuvring and the creation of new alliances or factions,” he said, warning that such tactics could even pave the way for Governor’s Rule in the province.
He asserted that if the Governor refuses to accept the resignation, it would amount to dishonesty, bad faith, and deceit, adding that obstructing the democratic process was an act of oppression against the Pashtun people.
Hussain urged the senior military leadership to respect the will of the Pashtuns and allow them to choose their preferred Chief Minister freely. “Whoever secures the majority in the KP Assembly should be accepted by all the army, the opposition, and everyone else as that is in the best interest and survival of all,” he emphasized.
He also appealed to the Pashtun people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to resort to peaceful wheel-jam protests if they are deprived of their democratic right to elect a Chief Minister of their choice, and to continue their protest until their legitimate demand is fulfilled.