Asad advises CM Gandapur to cut all ties with Shehbaz-led govt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) seniour leader Asad Qaiser has advised Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur to completely cut all ties with the federal government. 

Qaiser stressed that the federation is unlikely to meet any of KP's demands for improvement.

The former speaker National Assembly pointed out that the central government has not appointed a single officer in the province based on the recommendations of the KP Chief Minister.

“This is not a time for reconciliation, but for resistance. It concerns the rights of the nation. Do the people wish to reside in a banana republic or a country where the rule of law and constitution prevail?" the PTI stalwart said.

His statement came after CM Gandapur's meetings with federal government officials, including a recent discussion with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Peshawar to devise a joint strategy against terrorism in KP.

As per sources, Qaiser's remarks stem from dissatisfaction among some PTI leaders regarding Gandapur's interactions with federal officials.

Earlier this month, Gandapur faced criticism within the party for his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad and for participating in a photo session alongside other heads of provinces.

Despite the criticism, CM KP described the meeting as “very positive.” 

On the other hand, PTI founder Imran Khan, speaking to journalists in Adiala Jail, expressed his displeasure regarding the meeting. 

He stated that such a meeting should have been scheduled after the release of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's dues.

It is worth mentioning that Qaiser was appointed by PTI founder Imran Khan to lead a committee engaging with other political parties after the February 8 polls.