After openly supporting the controversial Kalabagh Dam, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has now thrown his weight behind the creation of new provinces and a presidential system of governance in Pakistan.

Speaking to senior journalists, Gandapur argued that Pakistan’s size and population demand smaller administrative units.

“Smaller provinces mean better governance. Across the world, large populations are managed through smaller units. Pakistan is the only country running with just four provinces,” he said.

He further claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan is a strong proponent of the presidential system, adding that if Khan were to contest for president, “he would win from across the country.”

On Kalabagh Dam opposition

The CM downplayed objections to the Kalabagh Dam, saying only the Awami National Party (ANP) opposes it in KP.

“Those who say Kalabagh Dam will be built over their dead bodies are playing politics. I believe in putting state before politics,” he remarked.

Remarks on May 9 and establishment

Gandapur dismissed calls for apologies over the May 9 riots, insisting, “The founder of PTI has already said he is not responsible. Those who violated people’s sanctity and filed false cases should apologise instead.”

He accused the establishment of stealing PTI’s mandate but acknowledged military support in law and order matters.

On his relationship with Khan, Gandapur revealed he had not been allowed to meet him since April, adding, “If I get a chance, I will convince him to open dialogue.”

PPP’s sharp response

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) strongly rejected Gandapur’s support for Kalabagh Dam.

PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro said the assemblies of Sindh, Balochistan, and KP had already passed resolutions against the project.

“By supporting Kalabagh, Gandapur insults his own provincial assembly,” Khuhro remarked. He accused PTI of double standards.

“Those who couldn’t complete Diamer-Bhasha or Mohmand dams in power are now talking about Kalabagh. This dam will make Sindh barren. It is a project to starve us,” Khuhro warned.

The PPP leader said PTI’s stance had unmasked its “real face.”

“Sindh will never accept Kalabagh. For us, the Indus River is life itself,” he declared.