PESHAWAR: Following the thwarting of PTI’s planned protest in Rawalpindi due to heightened security measures, tensions escalated between the coalition government and the opposition party on Sunday, resulting in a heated exchange of words.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, referencing the Punjab police’s actions against PTI protesters, asserted that only a “revolution” could address what he termed “state atrocities.”
In contrast, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the government’s response, accusing Gandapur of inciting chaos reminiscent of the events of May 9 by planning forceful marches on Islamabad and Punjab.
In a video message, CM Gandapur, who also leads PTI in the province, issued a stark warning to law enforcement: “For every bullet fired at PTI activists, we will respond with ten.”
He expressed frustration over the restraint shown after their homes were targeted, declaring, “Today, I formally announce revolution as we have no other solution. Enough is enough.”
This message came after Gandapur’s procession was barred from joining the PTI rally in Rawalpindi on Saturday. He claimed that during the confrontation, Punjab police unleashed tear gas and live ammunition, injuring several PTI workers.
Gandapur urged the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially those from the former tribal areas, to unite and hold jirgas, framing his statements as a warning rather than a threat. He insisted that political matters should be resolved by politicians, not others.
In response, Minister Tarar condemned Gandapur’s remarks, describing them as a reflection of his failure to govern effectively. He criticized Gandapur’s transition from verbal attacks to threats of violence, warning that such tactics would ultimately backfire.
Tarar also emphasized that PTI’s focus should shift to improving essential services like education and healthcare rather than instigating unrest. He accused the party of attempting to disrupt key events, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, and lamented their past failures, asserting that the current government’s economic stabilization efforts have exposed PTI’s shortcomings.
