Gandapur wants justice for Imran

NOWSHERA: Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday asked the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice of former prime minister Imran Khan’s case, questioning why his case was not being heard.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed Jaroba Dam, Gandapur criticized the judiciary, stating, “Ask the six judges who admitted they were under pressure while delivering verdicts. We are peacefully protesting for Imran Khan’s release, yet bullets were fired at us, but our struggle will continue.”

He also took a jab at the Punjab government, mocking the poor durability of a public project. “Last night, I saw on TikTok that Punjab’s Green Line project was washed away by rainfall. It seems like Maryam Nawaz used makeup paint that faded so quickly,” he quipped.

The chief minister visited the Nowshera district, where he inaugurated the newly constructed Jaroba Dam. He was accompanied by provincial ministers Aqibullah Khan, Mian Khalique-ur-Rehman, and MNAs and MPAs elected from Nowshera.

Constructed at a cost of Rs777 million, the 115-foot-high and 697-foot-wide dam is expected to bring 930 acres of barren land under cultivation by providing 4.65 cusecs of irrigation water. Additionally, a 6.15-kilometre-long canal has been constructed to facilitate irrigation in adjacent villages. Apart from irrigation, the dam will also improve water storage and supply for domestic use. It is set to provide 0.75 cusecs of drinking water, benefitting a population of 22,000 people.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Gandapur said, “The provincial government successfully completed the Jaroba Dam project, now local communities should utilize it immensely.”

To address the drinking water shortage, he announced an additional Rs20 million for water supply projects in the area. He pledged the construction of the remaining two kilometers of road and announced the inclusion of a Rural Health Center (RHC) in Jaroba in next year’s budget.

In a significant move to support underprivileged families, the chief minister announced a special solar system package for 250 deserving households in Jaroba. “The government is well aware of the challenges faced by the people and is committed to addressing them on a priority basis,” he assured.

Expressing concern over the region’s underdevelopment, Gandapur lamented, “It is unfortunate that this area still remains backward in this era.” Addressing the youth, he urged them to pursue education and uphold strong moral values, as these are the true pathways to progress. He emphasized that the provincial government is creating opportunities for young people across all sectors to help them move forward in life.

Gandapur emphasized the importance of political engagement and performance-based governance. “Parvez Khattak has reappeared after a year. If he wants to do politics and showcase his achievements, he should hold public gatherings more often,” he remarked. He also announced that a booklet detailing his government’s one-year performance would soon be published and presented to the public.