Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur appeared before the Supreme Court on Wednesday to request permission for a meeting with former premier and PTI founder Imran Khan, citing urgent party consultations ahead of the provincial budget. However, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah declined to hear the matter, stating it was not a judicial issue. CM Gandapur arrived at the courtroom while another case was underway, accompanied by senior lawyer Latif Khosa and KP Advocate General Shah Faisal.

Addressing the bench, Gandapur argued that the KP Assembly is in the midst of passing its budget and the budget committee urgently needs guidance from the party head. He lamented that repeated requests to meet Imran Khan had been ignored, despite Khan's formal letter to the Supreme Court. Justice Shah, however, refused to take up the petition, noting, “This is not a matter for the judicial side; you have approached the wrong forum.

The proper course is to submit your request to the SC Registrar or Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, who also chairs the Practice and Procedure Committee.” Advocate Khosa urged the court to treat the matter as urgent, but Justice Shah reiterated that no judicial proceedings could be undertaken on this issue. Speaking to media outside the court, CM Gandapur expressed frustration, claiming a conspiracy was underway to isolate Imran Khan. “We’ve sacrificed for this country,” he said.

“Our mandate was stolen, and now the judiciary has been handcuffed after the 26th constitutional amendment.” He emphasised that his visit to the court was made under the PTI founder’s instructions and expressed hope that the Supreme Court would soon fix a hearing date for the request. Regarding the KP budget, Gandapur declared it the best presented to date and aligned with Imran Khan’s vision.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)