KP Advisor Saif calls for court appearance proof of arrested PTI workers

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Information Adviser Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif said that many PTI workers are currently under arrest and should be presented in court, with video evidence provided to identify those involved in vandalism. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, he addressed a press conference held in Peshawar on Friday and accused certain elements of using the May 9 events to create a rift between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the military.

Addressing the resignation of Provincial Minister for Communication and Works (C&W) Shakeel Khan, Barrister Saif explained that Shakeel Khan was elected on a PTI ticket and became a provincial minister. 

He mentioned that a committee, formed by PTI founder Imran Khan and consisting of Shah Farman and Qazi Anwar, is working alongside advisor Musaddiq Abbasi. 

Barrister Saif said the committee’s recommendation to denotify Shakeel Khan was sent to the governor by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

He added that since Shakeel Khan has resigned, there is no need to denotify him, and it is now up to the committee to decide when to present the evidence.

Earlier today, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) Minister for Communication and Works (C&W) Shakeel Khan tendered his resignation from the provincial cabinet, citing poor governance and widespread corruption. 

Shakeel Khan sent his resignation to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur via WhatsApp on Friday, August 16, stating that he should be considered resigned from his ministerial position.

In his five-point resignation message, Shakeel Khan expressed deep disappointment, claiming that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had deviated from the purpose for which the people had voted for them. 

Shakeel Khan highlighted that, at every level, poor governance and rampant corruption damage the public's perception of PTI. The provincial minister reiterated his commitment to raising his voice against such issues in line with PTI's manifesto.

Shakeel Khan also stated that he is willing to be held accountable for his ministry in all forums and plans to elaborate on the reasons for his resignation in detail in the assembly.

Minister Shakeel Khan accused Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of interference in his department, which he claims hindered his work.

Sources revealed that Shakeel Khan had also lodged complaints regarding corruption within the cabinet, leading to the formation of a committee to investigate these allegations.

In response to Shakeel Khan's resignation, CM Gandapur stated that a committee established by PTI's founder Imran Khan had already recommended Shakil Khan's removal.

CM Gandapur mentioned that he had signed the summary for Shakeel Khan's de-notification and sent it to the governor prior to receiving Shakeel Khan's resignation.

The Chief Minister noted that he has yet to receive a formal written resignation from his cabinet member Shakeel Khan.