Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has revealed that a proposal to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Bani Gala, Nathia Gali, or the Chief Minister House was made, but progress was halted as Khan insisted on the release of all detained workers before his transfer.
Speaking to reporters in Peshawar, Gandapur explained, “When I set out for a mission, I burn my boats.” He also commented on the November 24 protests, revealing that the establishment had warned against staging demonstrations, citing the risk of clashes and potential damage.
The protests, which were part of PTI’s “final call” march to Islamabad, aimed at securing the release of political prisoners and the restoration of democracy, ended abruptly when law enforcement agencies (LEAs) launched a late-night crackdown. This forced PTI workers, including Gandapur and Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, to flee. While the PTI has alleged that several workers were killed during the crackdown, the government has repeatedly denied such claims, stating no lives were lost and no live rounds were fired.
Gandapur revealed that PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and KP CM’s Adviser on Information Barrister Saif were in contact with the establishment regarding Sangjani and had directly reached out to Imran Khan. However, at that time, Gandapur had turned off his phone. The KP CM claimed that the establishment’s message was conveyed to both him and Khan, but Khan insisted that only he could announce any changes.
Khan had instructed Gandapur to proceed with the march towards D-Chowk unless told otherwise. Regarding PTI workers’ refusal to stay at Sangjani, Gandapur clarified that it was not due to Bushra Bibi’s instructions but because Khan had not announced staying at Sangjani, prompting the workers to proceed towards D-Chowk as planned.
Upon reaching D-Chowk, Gandapur reported finding three PTI workers dead and 12 others injured. He said, “We evacuated the wounded, but I couldn’t take over 100,000 people where bullets were being fired. They were my responsibility.”
Discussing his communications with the establishment, Gandapur revealed that formal talks resumed on October 4, facilitated by his official position. He emphasized that a conducive environment was essential for negotiations, advocating for face-to-face discussions with Imran Khan. However, he noted that Khan had refused a transfer, stating that any discussion could take place where he was.
This statement comes amidst stalled talks between the PTI and the government, with the PTI citing the government’s failure to form a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots and the November 2024 protests in Islamabad, which were key demands in the PTI’s charter.
The PTI has warned of further agitation and is seeking permission from local authorities to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan to mark the first anniversary of the controversial February 8 polls. The party is also planning a power show in Swabi on the same day.
PTI’s attempts to reach out to the establishment have intensified, with Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated for over a year, sending a letter to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, urging a change in policies. The letter, as reported by Khan’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry, also criticized the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the impact on judicial independence, and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The PTI’s outreach comes after a meeting between the PTI leadership, including Chairman Barrister Gohar and Gandapur, and the army chief earlier this month to discuss the party’s concerns. This effort contrasts with remarks by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who recently stated that no political leader’s desire for power should take precedence over Pakistan’s national interests.
