Decision-makers want slaves, not true leaders: Gandapur

LAHORE: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Thursday alleged that the country’s decision-makers prefer “slaves, not leaders” and are bent on suppressing democratic voices.

Addressing the Lahore High Court Bar, he said the 2024 general elections were rigged to impose ‘selected, not elected, individuals’.

Gandapur claimed that Pakistan’s political decline began the moment people were forced into power. “Since that day, the Constitution has been broken, martial laws have been imposed, and public will trampled,” he said, recalling the execution of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. “The nation still asks: what punishment was given to those who hanged Bhutto?”

The chief minister said that the country has lost both sovereignty and self-respect. “We are no longer free — our leaders, our provinces, our people — all are enslaved,” he said, adding that this loss of independence is why Pakistan cannot openly speak for oppressed Muslims in other parts of the world. He said the 2024 elections were clear proof that those in power desire full control. “If you want to run and dismiss governments at will, then why do you have assemblies and constitutions?” he asked. “You’re the judge, the lawyer, and the plaintiff — that’s no way to run a country.” Gandapur asserted that the founder of PTI is imprisoned because he threatens the status quo. “He talks about the rule of law, supremacy of the Constitution, human rights, and national dignity. That’s his real crime,” Gandapur said. He added that the PTI founder is willing to hold talks, not for personal power, but for the sake of Pakistan. “Our struggle is ongoing, and it will continue. The more you try to silence us, the louder we will rise,” he said. He also alleged that 14 of their supporters were martyred, while the leader, his wife, and workers remain behind bars. Speaking on governance in KP, Gandapur said the province has successfully curbed corruption and amassed significant funds. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the richest province,” he declared.