Opposition in KP Assembly walks out, boycotts vote for new cheif minister

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session began under the chairmanship of Speaker Babar Saleem Swati. Addressing the session, Ali Amin Gandapur said that he had resigned on the same day Imran Khan instructed him to do so. He emphasised that the democratic process should not be turned into a mockery.

Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah stated during his speech that Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation had not yet been accepted, and therefore, as long as there is one chief minister in office, another cannot be elected.

Following his remarks, opposition members staged a walkout and boycotted the proceedings, terming them “unlawful.”

Dr Ibadullah further said that the Governor had called Ali Amin Gandapur to clear the confusion, returned his resignation, and informed him that he would continue leading the province until the resignation is formally approved.

After the opposition leader’s address, the Speaker of the KP Assembly remarked that some people did not want Sohail Afridi to become the chief minister. However, he clarified that the constitution cannot be dictated by personal preferences and that the Assembly would act strictly in accordance with it.

Four candidates are contesting the election for the new Leader of the House. The PTI has nominated Sohail Afridi, while the JUI-F has put forward Maulana Lutfur Rehman. The PML-N’s candidate is Sardar Shah Jahan Yousuf, and the PPP has nominated Arbab Zarak Khan for the post.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly currently comprises 145 members, with 93 belonging to the government and 52 representing the opposition.