Imran Khan Is a Political Prisoner, Will Continue Movement for His Release: KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reiterated that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is a political prisoner and pledged to continue a political movement for his release.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), led by newly elected President Kazim Khan, the chief minister stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is mobilizing its workers for a major political movement. “Imran Khan’s narrative has gained public support, and no one can suppress it,” he asserted.
The CPNE delegation congratulated the chief minister on presenting a surplus budget for the upcoming fiscal year. During the meeting, discussions were held on issues facing local newspapers, pending advertisement payments, and the provincial government’s performance.
Gandapur assured the delegation that payments to newspapers for advertisements would be made on a priority basis. He emphasized the enduring importance of print media even in the digital age and reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom in line with the vision of PTI’s founding chairman. He acknowledged CPNE’s significant role in the promotion of press freedom and development of the media industry.
Highlighting the province’s financial turnaround, Gandapur said that when his government took charge, there were only enough funds to pay 18 days’ salaries. Through better financial management and effective monitoring, his administration generated an additional Rs 250 billion in revenue, which was previously being wasted. The province now collects Rs 125 billion in its own revenue.
He also revealed the creation of a Rs 150 billion debt management fund, with plans to invest another Rs 150 billion in the coming fiscal year. The Annual Development Program (ADP) backlog, which previously spanned 13.5 years, has been reduced to 4 years. In the current fiscal year alone, 541 development projects were completed.
The chief minister presented a balanced budget for the next fiscal year and said the development program would lay the foundation for the next three years. All new projects will be completed within this time frame. Additionally, Rs 72 billion in outstanding payments to various institutions, including public universities, were cleared during the past 15 months.
Addressing healthcare, Gandapur said Rs 17 billion in unpaid dues were cleared under the Sehat Card program. The program was not only restored but also expanded. With improved monitoring and medical equipment, 71% of treatments under the Sehat Card are now being conducted in public hospitals, up from 25%.
He also highlighted social welfare initiatives, including the distribution of Rs 20 billion to deserving families during Ramadan and Eid, and increasing the dowry fund from Rs 25,000 to Rs 250,000. The development allocation for the upcoming fiscal year is Rs 195 billion, which will be increased to Rs 250 billion.
In the current fiscal year, Rs 35 billion were released through ADP Plus for development projects. Mining royalties increased from Rs 5.5 billion to Rs 12 billion, while cement sector royalties are projected to rise from Rs 2.5 billion to Rs 7.75 billion. Tax and non-tax revenue grew by 50% over the last 15 months.
Gandapur concluded by noting that the KP government has achieved 100% of IMF targets. Plans are underway to provide locally generated electricity to industries at subsidized rates, and 800 MW of hydropower projects will be completed within the next three years. The government is also providing free or subsidized solar systems to 132,000 deserving households.