Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur’s shifting stance on the ongoing military operation has sparked serious concerns—not only among political analysts but also within his own party ranks. What began as fiery opposition to the federal government’s operation soon morphed into calls for local jirgas and peace talks, leaving many wondering about the clarity and consistency of his leadership.
A position as critical as chief minister demands coherence and responsibility. Yet, Ali Amin’s frequent U-turns and emotionally charged statements have only deepened confusion. According to PTI insiders who declined to be named, the chief minister “wants to be in the driving seat, but keeps making political missteps.” His contradictory remarks have left party leaders and assembly members puzzled over the province’s actual stance.
While CM Gandapur recently advocated for tribal jirgas to address the insurgency, observers question why such local confidence-building efforts weren’t initiated earlier. “This is not a one-day issue,” said one analyst. “Why wait until now?”
Complicating matters further is Article 245 of the Constitution, which falls under the federal government’s domain and allows the military to operate in border regions like Waziristan, Bajaur, and Tirah. However, in settled districts, military operations require a formal request from the KP government—making the CM’s position not just symbolic, but operationally significant. Critics argue that his erratic approach undermines both provincial authority and public trust in crisis response.
