MANSEHRA: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sit-in at D-Chowk will persist until party chairman Imran Khan personally calls it off, announced Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Speaking at a delayed press conference in the Insaf Secretariat, Gandapur condemned the recent crackdown on protesters and reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s cause.
Protest and Crackdown
Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi led the final protest in Islamabad but retreated during a law enforcement operation. “Hundreds of PTI workers were killed or injured by direct fire from law enforcement agencies. Each family of the deceased will receive Rs. 10 million, and injured workers will be provided top-quality treatment,” declared Gandapur.
The Chief Minister alleged that he and Bushra Bibi were targeted by snipers in an assassination attempt but narrowly escaped unharmed. He condemned the violent crackdown, calling it a direct assault on the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Legal Action and Compensation
Gandapur hinted at filing a First Information Report (FIR) against those responsible for the alleged firing. He emphasized that the sit-in aimed to uphold the supremacy of law, ensure Imran Khan’s release, and support PTI workers.
Legal assistance will be provided to arrested workers, and their release will be pursued through party lawyers, he assured.
Accusations Against Punjab Police
Leader of Opposition Omar Ayub accused Punjab police of unlawfully entering KP to arrest PTI workers. Ayub demanded an impartial investigation into the killing of a Rangers officer, blaming the federal government for inciting violence.
“We will not allow the federal government to continue its killing spree without accountability,” he declared.
High-Level Meeting
Earlier, a meeting chaired by Gandapur at the New Circuit House addressed the fallout from the Islamabad crackdown. Senior officials, including KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry and Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan, participated in the discussion.
Following the meeting, Gandapur, Bushra Bibi, and other leaders traveled to Peshawar via helicopter to avoid passing through Punjab territory.
