On Wednesday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest continues, emphasizing that only the party founder, Imran Khan, can decide when it will end.
Following a midnight operation by law enforcement that dispersed PTI supporters early Wednesday, the party declared a “temporary suspension” of its “do-or-die” protest.
Read: Crackdown Ends PTI Protest in Islamabad
During a press conference in Mansehra, CM Gandapur highlighted that the protest initiated by Imran Khan was more than a political demonstration; it was a movement for Pakistan’s future.
CM Gandapur criticized the government’s oppressive actions against PTI supporters, including illegal detentions and violence, and noted the denial of permits for peaceful rallies.
He maintained that Imran Khan had committed to non-violence in their protests. Nonetheless, he argued, government forces had obstructed their peaceful expressions of dissent.
Gandapur condemned the harsh police response to the protests, which included injuries and deaths among PTI workers.
Read: LEAs Launch Operation Against PTI Protesters at D-Chowk
The movement would continue in various forms if peaceful protests and the PTI workers’ resilience were obstructed. “I salute our workers for their sacrifices. This is a struggle for today, our children, and Pakistan’s future,” Gandapur remarked.
He affirmed that despite facing violence, the movement’s spirit remains unbroken and will endure until Imran Khan signals its conclusion.
Additionally, following the events, at around 2 am Wednesday, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram mentioned that a formal statement regarding the protest and overall situation would soon be issued.
In a media statement, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar described the protest as ineffective, stating, “PTI’s final call was a missed call. The protesters fled, leaving behind their belongings, Bushra Bibi and Amin Gandapur included.”
