PESHAWAR: The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, asserted on Tuesday that restoring peace and security in the province is his primary responsibility, and he is committed to ensuring its accomplishment.

He specifically addressed the ongoing issue of peace in the Kurram region, which has troubled the area for more than 50 years. Despite its long-standing nature, he expressed confidence that the problem is nearing resolution. “I will personally ensure its resolution,” he promised. Gandapur also emphasized that the government’s success is rooted in public support. He pointed out that those lacking support from the people cannot effectively approach or engage them. “We have the people’s trust, and we will continue to serve their welfare,” he stated. In his remarks, the Chief Minister underlined the crucial role of economic performance in measuring a government’s success. He proudly shared that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had achieved a remarkable 24 percent increase in revenue, further challenging others who claim to have improved their economies to demonstrate similar results.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had recognized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for surpassing its financial targets, with the province collecting Rs103 billion more than anticipated. In contrast, he pointed out that both the federal government and Punjab were struggling with significant economic deficits, with Punjab facing a Rs150 billion shortfall. During the press conference, Gandapur also urged the public to refrain from celebratory firing during the New Year celebrations. He expressed that he could not join in the festivities due to the political situation, mentioning that his leader, Imran Khan, and many workers are currently in jail. In a bold statement, Gandapur declared, “In 2025, either this government will remain in power, or we will take charge.” He emphasized the ongoing political struggles and the government’s commitment to addressing both security and economic issues in the province. Additionally, recent reports have revealed that a total of 65 cases have been filed against Gandapur across various jurisdictions. Of these, 32 are in Islamabad, and 33 in Punjab. The charges include serious offenses such as terrorism, attempted murder, and activities against the state, with cases being registered in multiple police stations across the regions.