Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has disclosed that a proposal was made to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to locations such as Bani Gala, Nathia Gali, or the Chief Minister House. However, the plan stalled as Khan insisted on releasing all detained PTI workers before agreeing to relocation.
Speaking to journalists in Peshawar, Gandapur emphasized his unwavering commitment to the PTI’s cause, saying, “When I set out on a mission, I burn my boats.” He also revealed that the establishment had warned against the November 24 protest, citing risks of clashes and potential damage.
The protest, dubbed the “final call” march, aimed to demand the release of political prisoners, the restoration of democracy, and the return of the people’s mandate. However, the demonstration ended abruptly after law enforcement agencies (LEAs) launched a late-night crackdown, dispersing protesters and forcing Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, Khan’s wife, to flee.
While PTI claimed that several workers were killed during the crackdown, the government denied these allegations, asserting that no lives were lost and no live rounds were fired.
PTI’s Communication with the Establishment
Gandapur revealed that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and KP CM’s Adviser on Information Barrister Saif contacted the establishment regarding the protest. However, Gandapur had turned off his phone at the time, and the establishment’s message was conveyed directly to the PTI founder.
Gandapur stated that the PTI founder had instructed the party to march towards D-Chowk unless he directed otherwise. Despite reports of PTI workers refusing to stay at Sangjani, Gandapur clarified that Bushra Bibi did not influence this decision but rather the lack of an official announcement from the PTI founder.
As Gandapur approached D-Chowk, he claimed to have found three PTI workers dead and 12 others injured. “We evacuated the wounded, but I couldn’t take over 100,000 people where bullets were being fired. They were my responsibility,” he said.
The KP CM’s statement comes amid stalled talks between PTI and the government. PTI has refused to engage further until the government forms a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots and the November 2024 protests in Islamabad.
PTI has also warned of potential agitation and sought permission to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan to mark the first anniversary of the February 8, 2023 elections, which the party has declared a “Black Day” due to alleged rigging.
Imran Khan’s Letter to COAS
In a recent development, Imran Khan wrote a letter to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir urging a policy change. The letter, which lawyer Faisal Chaudhry shared, criticized “fraudulent elections,” the impact of the 26th Constitutional Amendment on judicial independence, and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
This outreach follows a meeting between PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar and Gandapur, and the army chief, during which the party’s concerns were highlighted.
PTI’s attempts to engage with the establishment contrast with remarks by ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry in December 2024, who stated that no political leader’s desire for power should outweigh Pakistan’s national interests.
