The nomination of former federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has ignited a wave of mixed reactions across political circles and social media platforms.
Amidst condolences for the passing of his father, the decision to appoint Gandapur received accolades from notable figures within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, including former KP governor Shah Farman and political leader Jamshed Dasti, who lauded Gandapur's dedication and sacrifices.
Gundapur is a true reflection of #TTPTI leader #TalibanKhan's dirty anti Pashtun pro Taliban politics. Under Gundapur Taliban terrorists will gain more strength & space in #Pakhtunkhwa. #TTPTI is the political wing of #TTP & has destroyed the province in the past 10 years. https://t.co/m9QrYVVoqu
— Bushra Gohar (@BushraGohar) February 14, 2024
Allegations ranging from facilitating terrorist activities to involvement in a case of stripping and parading a girl in his village in 2017 were brought up against him.
Ali Amin Gandapur is one of the most vile and misogynistic politicians in the country
— Reema Omer (@reema_omer) February 13, 2024
Here he is making sexist, inflammatory comments about Maryam Nawaz before a charged crowd using violent language
Horrifying to imagine he could be the CM of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pic.twitter.com/QVSrmuhiPK
However, the nomination faced severe criticism from various quarters. Twitter was abuzz with dissenting voices, with users accusing Gandapur of being involved in heinous crimes and exhibiting misogynistic behavior.
It is a little rich to watch the PTI get beaten black and blue for months and then expect it to not choose people like Ali Amin Gandapur for key offices.
— Mosharraf Zaidi (@mosharrafzaidi) February 13, 2024
We have seen this movie before. Parties choose loyalists and tough guys because military domination of politics cultivates a…I honestly don't know if the allegations that Ali Amin Gandapur helped facilitate 8 people accused of stripping & parading a girl are true, but we have enough evidence to know that he is vile and sexist. That is pretty clear. https://t.co/8ZfqS4ecq0
— Nida Kirmani (@NidaKirmani) February 13, 2024
Furthermore, Gandapur's alleged familial ties to criminal activities were highlighted.
Ali Amin Gandapur who allegedly paraded a girl naked in his village in 2017 has been nominated as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by Imran Khan pic.twitter.com/Z6AE1D4Kir
— Ailia Zehra (@AiliaZehra) February 13, 2024
References were made to accusations of his involvement in the assassination of his cousin Israrullah Gandapur, a former law minister of KP.
In Oct 2013, his cousin Israrullah Gandapur, then law minister KP, was killed in a suicide attack. Israr’s brother Inamullah accused Ali Amin of paying Rs 5 million for the killing. Demanded investigation and suo moto. Never happened.https://t.co/DcKJKkYnPA https://t.co/oWbXuatRUT
— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) February 10, 2024Amin Gandapur's choice as CM KP only means PTI will not back off from confrontation. Would be interesting to see how the new govt and, more imp, its backers deal with the resultant situation.
— Abbas Nasir (@abbasnasir59) February 13, 2024
Despite the backlash, PTI supporters defended the decision, emphasizing the party's commitment to meritocracy and downplaying accusations against Gandapur as unsubstantiated or politically motivated.
Ali Amin Gandapur was also accused of hiring a suicide bomber to kill another PTI minister Israr Gandapur on Oct 16, 2013.https://t.co/GdeQpQi4K8
— Umar (@cybertosser) February 10, 2024Ali Amin Gandapur to Hafiz Sahab on his first day as CM KP. pic.twitter.com/Dr4x1qZJmD
— dexie (@dexiereborn) February 13, 2024Senior Journalists and opposition parties are having panic attacks after Ali Amin Gandapur being announced the CM of KPK by Imran Khan. #مینڈیٹ_پر_ڈاکا_نامنظور #ElectionResults2024 pic.twitter.com/Ku0rqAWT5h
— Hina Zainab (@hina98_hina) February 13, 2024These Gandapur apologists of the "neutral" variety tend to be the same ppl who had problems with PTM's "lehja". The dude has substantial allegations of rape &murder, no one with an iota of integrity should want filth like that representing them, surely others can confront too 1/2
— Imran Khan (@iopyne) February 13, 2024
The controversy surrounding Gandapur's nomination underscores broader concerns regarding governance and integrity within the PTI.
The PTI must show that it is serious about governance, and that it has learnt some lessons. The news of nomination of KP CM, if accurate, is not encouraging on either front.
— Sameer Khosa (@SameerKhosa) February 13, 2024
Critics argue that such appointments undermine the party's credibility and its ability to govern effectively.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Gandapur's tenure as KP CM promises to be marked by intense scrutiny and challenges as both supporters and detractors closely monitor his actions and decisions.