Naqvi accuses KP official of funding militants amid growing rift with Gandapur

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi responded to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s sharp remarks regarding the federal government's potential military operations against terrorists in the province. Naqvi rejected Gandapur’s opposition to the operations and alleged that a local government official in Dera Ismail Khan is involved in financially supporting terrorists.

On Thursday, Gandapur addressed a press conference following an all-parties conference (APC) held to discuss the worsening law and order situation and the recent surge in terrorism across KP.

During the press conference, Gandapur said, “No federal force will be allowed to operate in the province, nor will we accept any operation without being taken into confidence.”

He stressed that the provincial government had not been consulted regarding the ongoing military efforts, and that civilian and security forces had already suffered significant losses in the name of peace.

He further stated, “There is no room for any so-called ‘good Taliban.’ Action must be taken even against those who recommend them.”

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Gandapur also demanded that KP be included in any negotiations with Afghanistan, asserting that neither Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar nor Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have the authority to represent KP in such talks or traditional jirgas.

"Mohsin Naqvi can build flyovers, but he should not speak on behalf of my province,” he added.

In response, Naqvi strongly rejected Gandapur’s refusal to allow federal intervention in KP, making it clear that all necessary resources, including drones, would be deployed against terrorists. “Every resource will be used against terrorists,” he said.

Naqvi’s firm stance indicated that the federal government would proceed with counter-terrorism operations regardless of provincial objections, a move that underscores growing political tensions between the center and KP government.

دہشت گردوں کے خلاف تمام وسائل استعمال ہونگے pic.twitter.com/KhaljkEUHA

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 24, 2025

ایک اہم صوبائی عہدےدار ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان میں طالبان کو کتنے پیسے ہر ماہ دیتا ہے ؟

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 24, 2025

In another statement on X, Naqvi alleged that a provincial government official in Dera Ismail Khan is providing financial support to militants, ending his statement with a rhetorical question, further hinting at internal collusion.

Meanwhile, Naqvi also drew criticism from senior National Democratic Movement (NDM) leader Bushra Gohar, who questioned the credibility of the federal government's counter-terrorism policies. “Who gave the proxies safe passage to settle in the province? Who is sponsoring the #TalibanProject?” she asked.

The federal government is reportedly planning a large-scale military operation in KP amid rising terrorist attacks and militant activity in remote areas near the Afghan border. However, the provincial government and several local leaders have strongly opposed any such operation without their involvement or consent.