Imran Khan
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who went “unreachable” for several hours following his fiery speech at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) rally in Islamabad on September 8, resurfaced on Wednesday at a ceremony organized by the Peshawar Bar Council Association.
In his first public appearance after the incident, Gandapur reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to stand by the jailed PTI founder, Imran Khan, despite the challenges ahead.
“I want to give a message to our leader [Imran Khan] that we support your ideology,” declared Gandapur during his address at the ceremony.
His statement came amid heightened tensions following a renewed crackdown on the PTI, the former ruling party, for violating a newly-enacted public gathering law during the rally on September 8. During the crackdown, Gandapur had been “missing” and unreachable, raising concerns about his whereabouts.
The mystery around Gandapur’s brief disappearance was cleared up by PTI’s Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Shahid Khattak. According to Khattak, the KP chief minister was “busy in various meetings” in Islamabad after the party’s power show.
The party later clarified that Gandapur had been involved in an extended meeting with government officials regarding the province’s law and order situation and could not be contacted due to mobile phone jammers at the meeting location.
Addressing the members of the Peshawar Bar Council, Gandapur delivered a stern message to state institutions, urging them to “mend their ways” for the benefit of the people, the country, and themselves. He emphasized that rather than prioritizing egos, the focus should be on uplifting the nation.
Gandapur also called for open dialogue with PTI’s incarcerated leader, Imran Khan, to resolve ongoing issues. “Our goal should be to lift the country and not the ego,” he stated.
Reflecting on the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gandapur expressed his dismay over the recent spate of terrorist attacks in the province. He told the apex committee that the trust of his people and the police had been shattered. “My province is bleeding, and they do not care,” he lamented, highlighting the dire situation faced by the region.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan, particularly its bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, has faced escalating violent attacks. In August alone, KP witnessed 25 casualties from 29 terrorist attacks.
In light of the prevailing security concerns, Gandapur announced his decision to send a delegation from the provincial government to Afghanistan to engage in dialogue and address the issues directly. “I am accountable to the people of my province, who voted for PTI and brought it into power,” he affirmed, underscoring his commitment to the electorate. He added, “If they agree, that’s good, and if not, then very, very good,” hinting at a no-compromise stance.
The KP chief minister also spoke about the cases filed against him following the Islamabad rally, where he was accused of pointing a pistol at a deputy superintendent of police (DSP).
Denying the allegations, Gandapur claimed he had not seen any police officers in blue uniforms, referring to the Islamabad police. He advised the police to “mend their ways,” clarifying that his comment was not a threat but a call for reflection.
Gandapur further emphasized that speaking out against oppressive leaders is a form of “jihad” and rejected accusations of inciting people. “When I say such things, they blame me for provoking the people,” he stated.
He also reached out to journalists, calling them his “brothers” and downplaying the controversy over his recent remarks against the media, including female journalists, during the September 8 rally. “It is not a big deal if the newsmen spoiled my reputation,” he added, attempting to strike a reconciliatory note amid the backlash.
The KP chief minister’s remarks come at a time of intense political turbulence, with PTI continuing to face significant challenges amid increasing pressure from the government and law enforcement agencies.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
