By Asim shahzad
LAHORE: Punjab Government has leveled serious allegations against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, accusing him of harboring terrorists and misusing provincial funds.
These claims were made during a press conference on Saturday by Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari.
Speaking to the media, Bukhari stated that intelligence agencies had credible information indicating that terrorists from banned organizations were being sheltered in KP with the alleged support of the provincial government. She claimed that, “Ali Amin Gandapur is not only protecting terrorists but also utilizing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s resources to fund them.”
Bukhari further alleged that funds intended for public welfare projects were being diverted to aid such elements, severely compromising law and order. She said the federal and Punjab governments had repeatedly alerted the KP administration about these issues, but no corrective measures had been taken.
In her strongly worded remarks, Bukhari demanded immediate action against Gandapur and warned of potential federal intervention if such activities were not halted. “We will not allow any province to become a sanctuary for terrorists. It is a matter of national security,” she asserted.
These accusations come amid rising political tensions between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led KP government and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition at the center and in Punjab. The federal government has recently intensified its crackdown on alleged terror financing and extremist elements operating within the country.
PTI officials have not yet responded to these allegations, but political analysts believe the claims could escalate the ongoing conflict between the center and the PTI-led KP administration. Some observers also view these developments as part of a broader effort to politically isolate PTI ahead of key legislative decisions and local body polls.
Bukhari emphasized that these concerns were not politically motivated, stating, “This is not about party politics; it’s about the safety and future of our people.”
She urged federal institutions, including law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to closely monitor the KP government’s activities and ensure that no state resources were being used to undermine national security.
The press conference ended with a call for a joint parliamentary investigation into the matter.
As the situation develops, the Punjab government’s claims are expected to spark intense political and legal debate, especially if the KP government formally rebuts the accusations or seeks judicial relief.
