Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) initiated its anti-government campaign on Saturday, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur arriving in Lahore to commence the movement, stating that political drives originating from the city have historically resonated nationwide. “We will take practical steps after consultation to move forward,” Gandapur said while addressing a crucial consultative session held at a farmhouse in Raiwind, Lahore.
The KP chief minister remarked: “We must consider how to bring it to its zenith by August 5.” His statement followed orders from incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan to his party that the anti-government protest should “hit peak” on August 5 — the day he completes two years in jail.
Responding to Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s criticism of the PTI-led government in KP, CM Gandapur alleged that only one MNA and two MPAs from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) were elected on merit, while the rest secured victory due to alleged manipulation of Form 47. He further asserted that JUI-F chief Fazl himself holds a “fake mandate” and questioned his authority to comment on PTI matters. Gandapur stated that the public had rejected Maulana Fazl and advised the JUI-F supremo to focus on bringing change within his own party rather than in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Earlier today, Maulana Fazl said that if there is to be a change in KP, it should emerge from within PTI. He added that JUI-F would make decisions regarding the province only after party consultation, noting that the province cannot afford further political instability. Following the Supreme Court’s June 27 verdict—which ruled that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is ineligible for reserved seats—the opposition alliance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is now just 20 members short of forming a simple majority in the provincial assembly.
On a separate note, Gandapur said he would appreciate the Punjab government only when he is allowed to hold a public gathering in Lahore based on his constitutional rights. The outspoken politician also criticized the suspension of the PTI’s Punjab Assembly members, terming it “illegal”. Addressing a media interaction, Gandapur warned that if such actions persisted, he could consider removing [the opposition’s] committee chairmen in his province.
The former ruling party has intensified its efforts to launch a nationwide anti-government campaign following the orders of the jailed patron-in-chief. A few days ago, ex-PM Khan’s sister Aleema Khan announced that the PTI founder would lead the protest from jail. “Our family knows about the protest plan,” said Aleema; however, she remained reserved about the details of the upcoming demonstration. She added that they would inform the media regarding the plan at an appropriate time. She also launched a criticism against the party leadership, quoting Khan as saying that he was free in prison while they are imprisoned outside. The protest route—whether it starts from Peshawar and proceeds to Lahore—will be decided and disclosed by the party, she added. She also said that Khan’s entire family would participate in the upcoming protest. Khan had conveyed that those unable to carry the burden of the political movement should step aside, she added.
According to the PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram, the Imran Khan-led party will hold demonstrations in provinces and districts in the first phase. To another query about CM Gandapur’s statement that he would carry weapons to the protest, Akram said Gandapur was talking about self-defence. “What the chief minister meant was that everybody has the right to self-defence,” he added. The PTI spokesperson also said the PTI founder had directed Gandapur to lead the protest.
