Opposition Leader Challenges PTI over Political Engagement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Leader of the Opposition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly criticized PTI's reliance on the establishment, urging them to focus on elected representatives. He condemned CM Gandapur's media-targeting address and stressed the need for law and order amid ongoing protests in the province.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has accused the ruling party of relying too much on the establishment while ignoring the importance of elected representatives, the Dawn reported on Friday. According to the Islamabad-based publication, LoP Ibadullah said the Treasury benches had spent three days discussing the establishment's role in politics, while PTI founder Imran Khan wanted to limit discussions to the establishment alone.

'The establishment says they have no role in politics, but your leader wants to talk to them only. Who is dragging them into politics?' Ibadullah questioned during a Thursday assembly session presided over by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati. He criticized Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur's September 8 address for targeting media and political figures. He also condemned the removal of PTI lawmakers from the National Assembly grounds.

Ibadullah highlighted that politicians were creating issues by not giving each other space, asserting that the political class was to blame for the mess. He noted ongoing protests in Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Bajaur demanding law and order, criticizing the Treasury benches for not visiting the areas or issuing statements. He also took aim at Gandapur's statement about holding talks with the Taliban, claiming militant returns to the province occurred under PTI's rule.

(With inputs from agencies.)