Peshawar, July 3, 2025: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday hinted at the possibility of a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, following a major shift in the provincial assembly’s balance of power.
The warning comes in the aftermath of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reinstating reserved seats for women and minorities to opposition parties, in line with a recent Supreme Court verdict. The move has significantly boosted the opposition’s numbers in the KP Assembly, while depriving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of key seats.
Although 93 PTI-backed independents still form the single largest group, the opposition’s strength has surged from 27 to over 50 members, raising concerns for the stability of the provincial government.
The ECP’s decision restored 21 reserved seats for women in the KP Assembly, allocated as follows:
- JUI-F: 8 seats
- PML-N: 6 seats
- PPP: 5 seats
- PTI Parliamentarians and ANP: 1 seat each
Additionally, four reserved seats for minorities were reinstated, with JUI-F receiving two, and one each awarded to PML-N and PPP.
This reshuffling has revitalized the opposition and sparked speculation over a potential no-trust move against the Gandapur-led government.
Governor Kundi, a senior PPP leader and vocal critic of CM Gandapur, clarified:
“We are not plotting against the chief minister, but if we gain a majority, it will be our democratic right to move a no-confidence motion.”
While warning of the potential motion, Kundi also took a jibe at the chief minister, stating he doesn’t want Gandapur to be “jobless.”
The statement was in response to CM Gandapur’s fiery remarks a day earlier in which he challenged his opponents:
“If anyone believes they can remove this government constitutionally, I will quit politics. This government belongs to the PTI founder alone.”
Opposition Parties Deny Conspiracy
Despite the tension, key opposition leaders have dismissed speculation of any planned ouster.
- JUI-F, a major beneficiary of the restored seats, has stated it will not support efforts to remove the provincial government.
- PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui rejected rumors following Governor Kundi’s meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling such talk “baseless.”
- PM’s aide Rana Sanaullah also clarified that no discussion on a no-confidence motion took place during the PM’s meeting with JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on June 20.
Meanwhile, ANP President Aimal Wali Khan criticized the handling of reserved seats, terming it a “violation of the public mandate.” He warned against horse-trading and accused powerful quarters of weakening democratic institutions.
He also took aim at CM Gandapur’s performance, stating:
“His recent statements are merely a distraction from the government’s failures. Those who installed him still seem content with his conduct.” Aimal asserted that ANP will oppose any non-transparent efforts to change the provincial setup.
