Ali Amin Gandapur challenges Maryam to a performance-based debate

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has extended an invitation to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for a debate regarding governance effectiveness.

He contended that, although he is not affiliated with the PDM government, he has managed to elevate revenue by 55 percent, in stark contrast to Punjab, which has only achieved a 12 percent increase.

In discussing provincial governance, Gandapur underscored that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has made significant strides in enhancing its financial position, unlike Punjab.

"The Prime Minister is neither my relative nor am I a member of the PDM government, yet I have successfully raised revenue by 55 percent, while Punjab remains stagnant at 12 percent and continues to operate at a loss," he remarked.

Gandapur also introduced a free laptop initiative for students in KP, ensuring that they receive laptops at the same rate as their counterparts in Punjab under a similar program.

Furthermore, he encouraged Punjab to emulate KP’s healthcare model by offering free health cards to its residents.

"We have provided Health Card Plus to our entire population and are now rolling out life insurance. Punjab should consider extending comparable benefits to its citizens," he stated.

The Chief Minister of KP highlighted his administration's accomplishments in enhancing provincial revenue despite facing financial obstacles.

"We have achieved a 55 percent increase in our revenue, and Punjab should aim to elevate its income from 12 percent to 55 percent," he asserted, noting that KP has a surplus of Rs176 billion, making it the only province to fulfill IMF requirements.

In his critique of Punjab’s financial management, he pointed out, "The IMF set a surplus target of Rs300 billion for Punjab, yet the province recorded a deficit of Rs146 billion."