In a heated address, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a stern warning to the federal government, threatening to sever the province’s electricity supply from the National Grid if their power allocations are reduced. Speaking at a press conference in Dera Ismail Khan, Gandapur accused the federal government and WAPDA of neglecting their responsibilities and subjecting KP to severe load shedding.
Accusations of Neglect and Mismanagement
Chief Minister Gandapur lambasted the federal government for what he termed as deliberate mistreatment of KP. He highlighted that the province is suffering from over 12 hours of load shedding on many feeders, which he deems unacceptable. Gandapur expressed his frustration, stating, “The federal government is not fulfilling its responsibility and WAPDA is abusing KP. Load shedding for more than 12 hours should not be done by any feeder.”
He further accused the federal administration of governance through illegitimate means, suggesting that they have stolen the mandate to stay in power. “I know how you are sitting and how to remove you. These people are sitting in the government by stealing the mandate,” he said, urging the federal government to correct its behavior to avoid being ousted.
Demands for Financial Rights
A significant portion of Gandapur’s grievances centers around financial disputes. He claimed that the federal government owes KP a staggering 16 billion rupees. Despite repeated requests, this debt remains unpaid. Gandapur conveyed his ultimatum to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying, “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said I need your support, our province owes 16 billion rupees to the federal government. I am asking the prime minister for the last time to give the money of the province, no one can stop us from taking our right.”
Direct Action and Public Protests
Demonstrating his commitment to resolving the electricity issues, Gandapur has taken direct action. On the day of his press conference, he personally intervened to restore electricity in Dera Ismail Khan by reaching the grid station himself. His actions followed a similar incident where he visited the Rehman Baba grid station in Peshawar to forcibly restore power to feeders suffering from losses.
These assertive measures underscore Gandapur’s determination to address the chronic electricity problems faced by KP residents. By directly involving himself in the restoration of power, he aims to highlight the gravity of the situation and the federal government’s perceived negligence.
Political and Public Reactions
Gandapur’s threats and actions have sparked a significant political and public discourse. His direct confrontation with the federal government raises questions about the balance of power and the dynamics of federal-provincial relations in Pakistan. While some view his stance as a necessary step to safeguard the rights and resources of KP, others criticize it as a politically motivated maneuver that risks further destabilizing the country’s power distribution system.
The public, especially those in KP suffering from prolonged power outages, have shown mixed reactions. Many residents express support for Gandapur’s bold stance, hoping it will bring about a resolution to their electricity woes. However, there is also concern about the potential repercussions of cutting off KP’s electricity from the National Grid, which could lead to broader regional and national complications.
Looking Ahead
As the standoff between KP’s provincial government and the federal authorities continues, the resolution of this conflict remains uncertain. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s ultimatum and direct actions signal a critical juncture in Pakistan’s energy governance. The federal government’s response to these demands and threats will likely shape the future of intergovernmental relations and the stability of the national power grid.
In the interim, the people of KP await tangible solutions to their electricity problems, hoping that the ongoing dispute will lead to improvements in their daily lives rather than exacerbate existing challenges. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached or if Gandapur’s drastic measures will lead to a larger confrontation.
