Ali Amin Gandapur is a prominent Pakistani politician who has made his mark in the country’s political landscape. Currently serving as the 18th Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gandapur’s journey has been a fascinating one, marked by milestones, controversies, and unwavering dedication to public service.
Early Life and Education of Ali Amin Gandapur
Ali Amin Gandapur hails from the Gandapur tribe of Pashtuns, a politically active family from Kulachi, Dera Ismail Khan. His late father, Major (retd) Aminullah Gandapur, served as a caretaker cabinet member under former President Pervez Musharraf, setting the stage for Gandapur’s foray into politics.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | Unknown |
| Place of Birth | Kulachi, Dera Ismail Khan |
| Family | Father: Major (retd) Aminullah Gandapur (deceased in 2024) Brother: Sardar Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur (Politician) |
Gandapur’s early education began at the Saint Helens High School in Dera Ismail Khan. Driven by his passion for sports, particularly squash, he relocated to Peshawar and completed his matriculation from the Police Model School. He later pursued a BA (Hons.) degree from Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan.
Political Career
Gandapur’s political journey commenced in 2013 when he contested and won the provincial assembly seat PK-94 in Dera Ismail Khan, securing victory as a candidate of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. His impressive performance in the elections earned him a spot in the provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet of Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, where he served as the Provincial Minister for Revenue and Estate.
In the 2018 general elections, Gandapur’s political prowess shone once again as he contested and emerged victorious in two constituencies simultaneously:
- PK-97 Dera Ismail Khan City 1
- NA-38 Dera Ismail Khan-I
This remarkable feat paved the way for his induction into the federal cabinet of Prime Minister Imran Khan, where he assumed the role of Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Key Milestones
- 2013: Elected to the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from PK-64 (Dera Ismail Khan-I)
- 2013-2018: Served as Provincial Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Revenue and Estate
- 2018: Elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan from NA-38 (Dera Ismail Khan-I)
- 2018-2022: Served as Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan
- 2024: Elected as the 18th Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Controversies and Allegations
Despite his political achievements, Gandapur’s career has not been without controversies and allegations. Some of the notable incidents include:
- Accusations of Parading a Girl Naked: In 2017, Gandapur was accused of being involved in a case where a girl was allegedly stripped and publicly humiliated in his village. He later visited the girl and offered financial support, denying any involvement in the incident.
- Sexist Remarks: On multiple occasions, Gandapur has faced criticism for making provocative and sexist remarks about Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He has been accused of using aggressive language and making derogatory comments about her appearance and alleged cosmetic surgeries.
- Sexual Harassment Incident: In March 2024, during a session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly, Sobia Shahid, a member of the opposition, faced sexual harassment and lewd gestures from male PTI members. Gandapur, as the leader of the house, made a controversial statement, suggesting that Sobia Shahid should have expected such behavior when she displayed wristwatches symbolizing allegations against PTI leader Imran Khan.
- Arrests and Charges:
- In 2016, Gandapur was charged by Islamabad Police for allegedly carrying and exhibiting unlicensed firearms and liquor outside PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s residence.
- In 2024, Gandapur was declared a proclaimed offender for his alleged participation in the 2023 May 9 riots.
Personal Life and Interests
While Gandapur’s public life has been extensively documented, little is known about his personal life and interests outside of politics. However, it is evident that he hails from a family with a strong political background, and his brother, Sardar Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur, is also actively involved in politics.
Conclusion
Ali Amin Gandapur’s journey from a local politician to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a testament to his determination and political acumen. While his achievements have been significant, his career has also been marred by controversies and allegations, casting a shadow over his reputation.
As Gandapur continues to navigate the intricate landscape of Pakistani politics, it remains to be seen how he will address the challenges and criticisms that have plagued his career. Regardless, his story serves as a reminder of the complexities and multifaceted nature of political life in Pakistan, where triumph and controversy often intertwine.
