ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued a notice to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Tuesday on a petition seeking his disqualification.
The petition, filed by Muhammad Kafeel, alleges that Mr Gandapur wrongfully claimed ownership of 735 kanals of land in the Kulachi tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district.
According to Mr Kafeel, the land, temporarily transferred to Mr Gandapur, rightfully belongs to Asif Khan. Documents suggest Mr Gandapur acknowledged his role as merely a titular owner, with Asif Khan being the true proprietor, Mr Kafeel says in the petition.
Further controversy stems from Mr Gandapur’s 2020 financial declaration, in which he reported purchasing a Toyota Land Cruiser (YB-777) with proceeds from the disputed land sale. Mr Kafeel argues that this act indicates Mr Gandapur’s failure to meet the integrity standards required for his position as an MPA.
The hearing for the case has been adjourned until March 26.
“We have heard preliminary arguments which need consideration on merits. Office to issue notice to respondent No. 5 (Ali Amin Gandapur) for the date fixed through the District Election Commissioner concerned. The service report of DEC shall reach this office before the date fixed. Case to come up on 26.03.2024,” said an order issued with the signatures of the ECP’s member from Sindh, Nisar Ahmed Durrani.
Mr Gandapur was elected as a member of the KP Assembly from the Dera Ismail Khan’s PK-113 constituency as a PTI-backed independent candidate. He was subsequently elected as the chief minister.
He earlier served as the federal minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan from Oct 5, 2018, to April 10, 2022, in the cabinet of the then-prime minister, Imran Khan.
Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2024
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