Government Denies Rumors of No-Confidence Move Against KP Govt

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has rejected allegations of conspiring to topple the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through a no-confidence move.

Speaking on a private channel morning show, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui dismissed the claims of a conspiracy, stating it was incorrect to interpret the PM-governor meeting as such. He acknowledged that a no-confidence vote remains a legal measure, citing the removal of PTI founder Imran Khan in April 2022 through this process, but emphasized no such proposal was currently being discussed at any level. “We will not resort to any tactic that could push Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into crisis,” he said.

According to official details, Governor Kundi briefed PM Shehbaz on the tragic River Swat incident where several tourists lost their lives. The prime minister expressed sorrow and instructed authorities to strengthen their capacity to prevent such tragedies, according to a press release from the PM Office Media Wing. The meeting also covered the broader national situation and was attended by Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam, Minister for Public Affairs Unit Rana Mobashar Iqbal, PM Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Power Abdul Rehman Kanju, and Special Assistant Talha Burki.

Separately, addressing media reports about a June 20 meeting between PM Shehbaz and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PM’s aide Sanaullah denied any discussion on removing the KP government and confirmed no no-confidence motion was planned. He also stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz had offered dialogue opportunities to PTI multiple times, but the party declined. He warned PTI against inciting violence in the name of protests, affirming the right to peaceful demonstrations but rejecting any violent actions.

These speculations arose following a meeting between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which sparked rumors about a potential plan from the Centre to remove Chief Minister Mahmood Khan Gandapur.

PTI has announced a nationwide protest movement after 10th Muharram, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that denied the party reserved seats for minorities and women in parliament on June 27.

In response to rumors, the Awami National Party (ANP) also denied any involvement in efforts to topple the KP government or engage in horse-trading. ANP Central Spokesperson Engineer Ehsanullah Khan stated that although some parties favored forming a joint opposition government in KP, the ANP remains committed to democratic principles and will not partake in undemocratic actions. Regarding the recent meeting between ANP President Aimal Wali Khan and PM Shehbaz, the spokesperson clarified that the discussion centered on the country’s political affairs, with no talk of toppling the KP government.

Read More: Ayaz Sadiq Declines Pay Raise, Writes Letter to PM Amid Khawaja Asif’s Criticism