Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi denies claims that security was withdrawn from former CM Ali Amin Gandapur. Speaking at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Afridi called the reports “false” and said no security had been removed.
“This is a lie. No security has been withdrawn from anyone. I am not so free that I would keep taking security back,” Afridi stated. He termed the issue a non-story and suggested it was an attempt to stay in the news. “If someone wants to turn a non-issue into a news story, I cannot comment. Our entire focus is on Imran Khan and his health,” he added.
The controversy began when Ali Amin Gandapur reacted to reports about his security detail being withdrawn. Gandapur called the move “unjustified,” citing ongoing threat alerts in the sensitive Dera Ismail Khan region. According to ARY News, late last night, his 16-member security team was recalled.
The security squad included eight gunmen, six drivers, and two jammer operators. Two officers were assigned to Gandapur’s brother, MNA Faisal Amin Gandapur, while the remaining 14 personnel were responsible for protecting the former CM. Official sources said the withdrawal was carried out on the instructions of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, with Chief Security Officer Irfan Baloch directing the closure of the deployment. The process was completed within minutes.
In an exclusive interview with ARY News, Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed the removal and expressed concern over the decision. He highlighted that his previous security arrangement included two vehicles, 14 staff members, and a jammer. He emphasized that Dera Ismail Khan remains a high-risk area under active threat alerts.
Gandapur said these alerts are part of counter-terrorism measures applicable to former Chief Ministers. He argued that withdrawing security in such a sensitive region puts lives at risk. Despite Afridi’s statement, the former CM maintained that the move was concerning and questioned the justification behind it.
In response, the Chief Minister denies any wrongdoing and insists the security of all officials is intact. He called for focusing on larger priorities rather than minor controversies. Analysts note that the incident highlights tensions in provincial politics but may not affect broader security policies.
The matter remains under public scrutiny as both sides present differing accounts. Afridi continues to deny any withdrawal, while Gandapur insists security was indeed removed in Dera Ismail Khan.
In other news read more about: PTI Claims Gandapur Arrested, Government Denies Allegations
