ECP summons KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur in disqualification case

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday called upon Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to appear before the district election commissioner on March 26 regarding a disqualification case.

In its order, the ECP stated, "We have reviewed preliminary arguments requiring further consideration. Notice will be issued to respondent No. 5 (Ali Amin Gandapur) through the respective district election commissioner for the specified date."

The ECP emphasized that the service report from the district election commissioner must be submitted before the mentioned date. The hearing is scheduled for March 26, 2024.

This decision follows Gandapur's call for a strategic plan within a month to recover the province's outstanding dues from the Centre. He directed provincial authorities to seek assistance from legal experts in addressing the matter with the federal government.

The electoral body's action originates from a petition filed by JUI leader Muhammad Kafeel, who sought Gandapur's disqualification. Gandapur represents PK-113 in Dera Ismail Khan.

According to the petitioner, 735 kanal land in Mouzah Girah Muhabbat and Muzah Rohri, Tehsil Kulachi, district DI Khan, was temporarily transferred to the name of the KP chief minister, despite Asif Khan being the true owner.

The petitioner alleged, "In the assets and liabilities forms submitted for the year 2020, respondent No. 5 declared the purchase of a Toyota Land Cruiser using funds obtained from the sale of the 735 kanal land, which constitutes the subject property."

Furthermore, it was argued that due to this misleading declaration, the respondent is unfit to hold the office of a provincial assembly member.

The petitioner claimed that Gandapur appeared as the apparent owner while Asif Khan maintained sole and absolute ownership of the property.