Following the arrests of several PTI leaders, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, during a late-night police operation in Islamabad, the political situation in Pakistan became increasingly tense.
Adding to the drama, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur went off the radar for several hours after these arrests, leading to widespread speculation and concern within political circles. The chief minister, however, reappeared early morning after seven hours when his convoy finally reached Peshawar at Fajr time. The footage of his return also appeared in the media.
PTI leader Naeem Haider Panjotha confirmed that Ali Amin Gandapur had reached the Chief Minister's House and was well. He thanked those who raised their voices and ensured the CM's 'release'.
About his disappearance, party sources later said Gandapur had a long meeting with government officials in Islamabad where they discussed the peace and law and order situation of the province. They further said mobile signals were jammed at the meeting venue, which was why the CM was unreachable.
They further said that on arrival in Peshawar, Gandapur held an online meeting with party leaders and apprised them of his meeting in Islamabad.
This unexpected disappearance and the delay in his arrival sparked various rumours, including talks of the possible imposition of Governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PTI leaders issued conflicting statements during this period, with Barrister Saif expressing concerns over the inability to contact Gandapur. According to Barrister Saif, not only was the chief minister unreachable, but his security staff's phones were also switched off. He further mentioned talks of the possible imposition of Governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan took to Twitter to voice his concerns, suggesting that Gandapur had been "invited for tea by the government and establishment." He said they tried to reach out to him, but failed. The chief minister's security staff could also not be traced either, as their phones are switched off, he tweeted.
Ayub also highlighted the arrests of PTI leaders, including the chairman and several MNAs, while he said some were present in the Parliament House with security measures. He further highlighted the heavy police presence outside the Parliament House. He lamented that "fake cases" had been registered against the opposition leader and parliamentary leader.
He maintained that all this was happening as the PTI had held a peaceful rally on September 8.
Amid the swirling rumours, it was later confirmed by Gandapur's brother, Faisal Amin Gandapur, via a tweet, that the chief minister had been attending a high-level meeting in Islamabad concerning the peace and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting was reportedly held in a location where mobile services were jammed, explaining the communication blackout.
Adding to the uncertainty, sources indicated that a case has been filed against Gandapur at the Sangjani police station, accusing him of detaining a district administration officer who had issued a notice regarding the rally's time limit.
The situation remains fluid as an emergency session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly is scheduled for today at 3pm, where the recent developments and the potential consequences for the province's leadership are expected to be debated.
