CM Gandapur Vows Strong Response to Aggression Against PTI Supporters

PESHAWAR: In a bold declaration, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has made it clear that his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), will respond decisively to any aggression directed at its supporters. This statement comes in the wake of a tumultuous day marked by protests and confrontations with law enforcement in Rawalpindi.

Gandapur's comments were made after he was unable to join the PTI protest in Rawalpindi due to being stuck at the Burhan Interchange. The authorities had set up roadblocks, including containers, to prevent the protest from taking place. Following this, the PTI announced new dates for their demonstrations, signaling that the struggle for their rights is far from over.

In a video message released late at night, Gandapur expressed the grievances of his party, stating, "We have been wronged, our privacy violated," yet they have remained silent for the sake of the country. He recounted the violence faced by PTI supporters during the protests, claiming that they were fired upon and faced shelling and baton charges from the Punjab police. He reported that three of their workers were shot, and over 50 were injured due to the police's aggressive tactics.

"More than 50 PTI workers have been injured in shelling as shells and bullets were fired every three kilometers on us," he stated, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Gandapur also mentioned that some police personnel were captured by PTI activists but were later released on his orders. He asserted that his message is not a threat but rather a final warning to the authorities.

Addressing the institutions, he urged, "If they cannot listen to the voice of the people or respect their opinions, then they should step aside. Let the people make their own decisions, and allow political decisions to be made by political leaders—do not interfere." This statement reflects a growing frustration among PTI supporters regarding the treatment they have received from law enforcement.

Despite the chaos, Gandapur praised the residents of KP and Rawalpindi for their unwavering support for PTI. However, his announcement to postpone the protest was met with strong opposition from the protesters, who demanded his resignation. The situation escalated as PTI workers surrounded his vehicle, expressing their discontent with the party leadership.

In a bid to calm the situation, PTI leader Azam Swati intervened, explaining to the protesters that the decision to cancel the Rawalpindi protest was made on the instructions of Imran Khan, the party's founder. This highlights the internal dynamics within PTI and the challenges they face in maintaining unity among their supporters.

Earlier, the Punjab government had imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Rawalpindi Division, effectively banning all political gatherings and protests for two days. This move was seen as an attempt to stifle dissent and prevent PTI from mobilizing its supporters. The party had initially planned a public rally at Liaquat Bagh but was forced to adapt its strategy in light of the restrictions.

In a related incident, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Salman Akram Raja were briefly detained by police while en route to Rawalpindi, only to be released shortly thereafter. The police's actions have raised concerns about the treatment of political leaders and activists in the current climate.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is evident that the political landscape in Pakistan remains fraught with tension. The PTI's determination to stand up for its supporters, despite facing significant challenges, underscores the ongoing struggle for political rights and freedoms in the country. The coming days will be crucial in determining how this conflict evolves and what it means for the future of political discourse in Pakistan.