ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic development, PTI founder Imran Khan has voiced strong support for Ali Amin Gandapur and criticized those who distanced themselves from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s controversial speech at a public rally on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters from Adiala jail following proceedings in the £190 million corruption case, Khan declared he was severing ties with the establishment, accusing them of betraying the PTI.
Khan endorsed Gandapur’s remarks about the media, women, and the establishment, calling them a reflection of “public sentiments.” He claimed that the KP Chief Minister was detained by the establishment after the Islamabad rally and warned of severe repercussions for this action.
Gandapur’s speech had drawn widespread condemnation, leading figures like Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Omar Ayub to issue apologies. Khan revealed that the PTI had postponed its August 22 rally at the establishment’s request but stated that no further negotiations would occur as the establishment failed to honor commitments for the Sept 8 jalsa. He vowed that the PTI’s power show in Lahore on Sept 21 would proceed as planned and appealed to the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.
Khan also alleged that the government was preparing a constitutional package to extend the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s term. Barrister Gohar vowed to oppose this package, describing it as a threat to judicial independence. He condemned the extension as a maneuver to benefit judges and hoped the judiciary would reject it.
Gohar, who was arrested and later released, stated that PTI would not apologize for Gandapur’s speech and denounced the arrest of PTI legislators as an “attack on parliament.” He criticized the “illegal arrests” and called on the National Assembly Speaker to investigate.
In the £190 million corruption case, the cross-examination of the last prosecution witness could not be completed due to the defense counsel’s commitments in the Lahore High Court. The judge has adjourned the hearing until Sept 12.
Additionally, the Special Court of the Federal Investigation Agency issued notices to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi regarding a new Toshakhana reference involving Bvlgari Jewelry. Further hearings are scheduled for Sept 16.
