Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur challenged on Friday province’s Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to impose a governor’s rule as the ruling coalition mulls this option after the Islamabad march.
“If you have courage, impose governor’s rule,” he said while addressing the KP Assembly session. He warned that if provoked, the party could also rally against the government, emphasising, “The nation is aware of this theatrical drama.”
Recent media reports said that the federal government was planning to impose governor’s rule in the province after Khan’s party marched to Islamabad for his release.
Thousands of PTI supporters marched on November 24 from different cities to Islamabad for Khan’s “final call” to “ensure the release of party members and restoration of democracy.” But the protest was called off on the third day. They managed to reach the federal capital despite roadblocks and disruptions to the internet and cellular services.
At least six people, including a police officer and three Rangers officials, lost their lives during three days of protests, as reported by officials and hospital sources.
The protest ended after the authorities launched an operation against the protesters. The PTI claimed that the firing killed their 12 supporters and left several injured.
The KP chief minister addressed the situation surrounding the party’s protests, emphasising that Pakistan was shut down because of the peaceful demonstrations. “The whole world saw the people respond to the leader’s call from jail.”
Gandapur asserted that if anyone could mobilise the masses like this, it would reflect on the punishment of the corrupt. He warned that “decision-makers” were leading the country back to a “troubled past,” adding, “The blood of our martyrs will not go in vain.”
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He also made a bold statement about the party’s resilience, saying, “We can also fire back if needed,” implying that they are well-equipped for any confrontation. “Fear the day when we decide to respond to bullets with bullets,” he said and expressed disdain for positions of power that do not serve the people.
He reiterated the importance of honouring the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder, stating that they have “fulfilled” their duties while protecting his dignity.
“We don’t need slavery, but freedom,” Gandapur said.
