KP will act independently in IMF matters amid Centre-PTI tensions:Ali Amin Gandapur

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, after being refused permission to meet incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, strongly criticized the federal government and hinted that his provincial administration would withhold cooperation in the federal government’s upcoming dealings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Speaking to reporters outside the prison alongside National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and PTI Senator Shibli Faraz, Gandapur said: “Let me make it clear to the federal government — any future decisions with the IMF will be made based on KP’s interests. Don't lecture us on national priorities; we’re not the only ones responsible.”

Despite completing all legal requirements to meet the former prime minister, Gandapur and several other PTI leaders — including Muzamil Aslam, Taimur Jhagra, and others — were denied entry by jail authorities citing “security concerns.”

Calling the obstruction “unjustified,” Gandapur insisted that preventing access to Khan was an unacceptable move. “If not today, we’ll meet him another day — but creating hurdles like this is wrong,” he said.

He accused the federal authorities of targeting PTI leadership through bogus cases, mass arrests, and suppressing peaceful protests — describing these actions as unconstitutional.

In protest, Gandapur announced that the KP government would boycott upcoming meetings on economic matters, including those linked to the IMF.

Addressing criticism of the recently passed KP budget, Gandapur said the move was necessary to avoid a constitutional deadlock. He dismissed claims of undermining party leadership, responding to remarks made by Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, who had called the budget approval a “minus Imran Khan” decision.

The KP CM clarified that he remained fully committed to implementing Khan’s vision and said he was solely accountable to the PTI founder.

Meanwhile, The News reported that Imran Khan had raised objections to the province's surplus budget, which includes Rs157 billion in accordance with IMF guidelines. Sources said Khan opposed the move, arguing it weakens KP’s case for federal funding.

Confirming this, CM’s Adviser on Information, Muhammad Ali Saif, said Khan wanted greater allocations for sectors like education, health, and the environment. While he wasn’t “angry,” Saif said, Khan believed budget priorities needed to be realigned.