The senior leadership of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is reportedly at odds over the party’s recently announced anti-government movement, revealing a widening rift within its ranks. While addressing a press conference in Lahore alongside Salman Akram Raja and other PTI leaders, Gandapur stated, “We have to decide in 90 days whether to do politics or not. The [protest] movement will be ‘do or die’ in nature.”
However, Aliya Hamza, PTI Punjab Chief Organiser, publicly questioned the movement’s details. According to The News, Aliya Hamza asked, “Will anyone shed light on this? What plan of action was announced yesterday or today for the release of PTI founder?” She further inquired, “Where and how will the PTI protest movement start?” Aliya Hamza also asked, “Where did the 90-day plan come from compared to the call for protest on August 5? If any of you have noticed anything, please guide me too.”
Gandapur’s remarks came a day after the former ruling party formally launched its anti-government campaign, which is set to reach its “peak” by August 5, following a high-level meeting in the provincial capital. Among other objectives, the protest movement is aimed at securing the release of party founder Imran Khan, who will complete two years in jail on August 5. Expanding on the party’s latest protest movement, which targets political goals, CM Gandapur stated on Sunday that it would be led by the PTI founder, who retains the party’s decision-making authority. When questioned, he affirmed, “PTI would go all out in this movement whether we remain in government or not as it doesn’t matter to us. We will go to every corner of the country and mobilize the people.”
Azma Bukhari Condemns Gandapur’s Rhetoric Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari issued a strong statement, asserting that Gandapur was welcomed as a peaceful visitor. However, she warned that if he attempted to introduce armed elements or incite chaos, the government would respond strictly under the law. She made these remarks on Sunday during her statement on Kashmir Martyrs Day, paying rich tribute to the Kashmiri people’s struggle and sacrifices.
Bukhari challenged Gandapur to return with his cabinet and MPAs, stating, “We will show him how garbage is cleaned in Peshawar, how talented students are awarded scholarships, and how hospitals like Nawaz Sharif Hospital are built within a year.” She emphasized that programs such as the laptop scheme reflect the government’s vision for youth empowerment, not merely hollow slogans for political gain.
Expressing sorrow over the tragic loss of 10 lives in Swat, Bukhari criticized Gandapur for his failure to offer condolences to the victims’ families, especially given his past display of sympathy over the Sahiwal incident. She remarked that Gandapur excels in sloganeering and theatrics but fails when confronted with real challenges.
Azma Bukhari also condemned PTI’s history of violence and its current agenda, noting that whether it involves the martyrdom of Punjabis in Balochistan or tragic incidents in Swat, Gandapur has maintained complete silence. She vehemently condemned the deepfake campaign targeting the Army Chief, declaring such actions to be the work of enemies of the state.
