On Friday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reiterated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) steadfast position regarding the “cipher conspiracy,” emphasizing that it was a manufactured scheme aimed at foreign interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs. Gandapur, a vocal leader of PTI, insisted that their stance remained unaltered despite recent developments, including United States Assistant Secretary Of State Donald Lu’s testimony before a Congressional panel, which reignited the ciphergate issue.
Speaking to reporters outside a court, Gandapur emphasized that the PTI’s viewpoint on the cipher remained unchanged, denouncing it as a conspiracy designed to meddle in Pakistan’s sovereignty. He directed attention towards Asad Majeed, the former Pakistani envoy to the US, suggesting that Majeed’s confirmation of Lu’s statement on the cipher warranted further scrutiny regarding its origin, especially if no formal meeting had taken place.
Gandapur also questioned the circumstances surrounding PTI founder Imran Khan’s legal issues, challenging the validity of Khan’s conviction if the cipher, as per Lu’s testimony, did not exist. He categorically stated that PTI would vehemently oppose any form of foreign intervention in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
Granted pre-arrest bail
Switching gears, Gandapur criticized the current government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alleging electoral malpractice in the 2024 elections and accusing Sharif of reaching power through a “flawed” electoral process. He accused the government of ineffectiveness due to a lack of national support and asserted that any dialogue with Sharif would be futile, given the alleged irregularities in his election. He went on to say that it would be useless to talk to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as he reached parliament through Form 47 results.
Addressing concerns about public issues in KP, Gandapur highlighted the pending funds owed by the Centre to the province and reiterated PTI’s commitment to resolving public grievances. He also touched upon the controversy surrounding election results, with PTI and other parties alleging manipulation by returning officers, citing discrepancies between Form 45 and Form 47 records.
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Gandapur made these remarks following his appearances in various courts seeking legal relief in different cases. Notably, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad granted him pre-arrest bail in a case related to vandalism at a judicial complex, with the court ordering him to submit Rs50,000 as surety bonds. His legal team emphasized his lack of involvement in the incident, stating that he was not present at the judicial complex during the vandalism.