PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed independent lawmaker Ali Amin Gandapur was elected by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly as Chief Minister of province.

Gandapur secured 90 votes whereas his rival PML-N candidate Ibadullah Khan bagged 16 votes. Election was held through secret ballotting. He is 22nd elected Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Addressing Assembly after his election as Chief Minister, Gandapur demanded release of PTI founder. PTI leader demanded an open trial of Imran Khan. At outset of his address, Gandapur sought guidance from Allah. He thanked PTI founder for reposing confidence in him. "I promise to live up to trust of PTI founder."

He said his party knew how to get its rights. He said his party wanted to change system which would ensure justice for everyone. PTI leader said his party's mandate was stolen. "Chief Election Commissioner failed to conduct free and free elections.

He should tender his resignation over his failure to hold free, fair and transparent elections. Elections were rigged," he said. KP Chief Minister-elect urged Chief Justice of Pakistan to hold judicial inquiry into May 9 violence. He said he had been worker of PTI for 17 years.

"But, today I became Chief Minister as an independent. It is painful for me," said newly-elected Chief Minister.Treatment meted out to PTI has been unprecedented. There could be no precedence of such treatment to political party anywhere in world, he added.

"Our leader has been jailed. There should be an open, fair and transparent trial of PTI founder and he should be released immediately. Our women workers are still in prison. Justice done to them should be addressed.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 02 2024

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