Party leaders didn’t plot May 9 violence: Gandapur

PESHAWAR: Saying his government would not confront the Centre, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister-designate Ali Amin Gandapur said Sunday May 9 violence was a conspiracy and the inquiry will reveal the truth.

Talking to senior journalists at the Speaker’s House here, Gandapur said they (PTI leaders) did not plan May 9 riots, asking why protesters were not stopped from attacking military installations. “If the country can benefit from my arrest, then I am ready to be arrested. Peace and security in the province are my top priority.”

Gandapur said going beyond politics, he will fight for the rights of the province with all stakeholders and political parties. “I don’t believe in confrontation with the federal government and would not take revenge from any government official because we have to move the province forward.” Gandapur further claimed: “I do not believe in political revenge. I will try to reform the system and not abuse or do vindictive politics. All institutions including the army and police are ours.”

Gandapur said that there was no room for political revenge in the province because there has been a lot of damage in two years. The country and the province have weakened financially and the law and order situation has also deteriorated. “But those who take illegal actions should be given a chance to reform or action will be taken against them.”

Gandapur said that if the federal government wants to arrest him “then don’t wait for me to come to Islamabad, arrest me immediately here, I am ready to be arrested from Peshawar.”

In response to a question, he said that he does not want a confrontation with the federal government but will fight for the rights of the province. “I will take all the parties and stakeholders together for the province’s rights. I know the financial condition of the country, will request the federal government to pay us in installments instead of lump sum amount. It must give us the due share.”

Gandapur said that May 9 was not done by them but was organized by others. “If there is an inquiry, it will be proved who was behind it. No doubt, PTI workers were involved in the May 9 protest but they were peaceful. Why was the procession not stopped from going to military installations while those going to Rana Sanaullah’s house were stopped in Faisalabad,” he said.

Gandapur said that on May 9, he was in DI Khan and cases were registered against him in 9 districts at the same time. “How is it possible that I reached everywhere. All these are fake FIRs.” He said that he was facing cases and will continue to do so.

Ali Amin said negotiations are going on with various parties for political unity, so that we get women and minority seats and strengthen our position in the provincial assembly. “It will be finalized in a day or two. However, the final decision has not been made yet.”

Gandapur said that the process of forming the cabinet has started and soon the recommendations will be sent to Imran Khan.