Gandapur tells centre: no backing for operations in KP

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday declared that his provincial government would not support any military operation in the province, stressing that such actions harmed trust between the people and state institutions.

Speaking at a PTI rally in Peshawar, Gandapur said, “We will not allow any operation and do not support it … Federal government, listen. The KP government does not support operation or displacement.”

His remarks marked a continuation of his shifting stance on the issue. In July, Gandapur had said in a video message that security forces were present in the province at the KP government’s request and should be treated as “guests.” However, a separate video statement issued after a PTI parliamentary meeting earlier this week sharply criticized military actions in Bajaur district, where he claimed innocent civilians were killed.

He argued that operations had damaging consequences, eroding public confidence in the forces, and called on federal institutions to pursue talks with Afghanistan to address cross-border militancy.

“We don’t want war and we will raise our voice against it,” Gandapur told supporters.