MANSHERA: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday assured his party workers that the sit-in is still ongoing, adding that only party founder Imran Khan has the authority to call it off.
In the wee hours of Wednesday, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson announced a “temporary halt” of a final call protest following a midnight crackdown by the law enforcers, which effectively dispersed the PTI workers from the D-Chowk, the site of the much-hyped protest.
Addressing a press conference in Mansehra on Wednesday, Gandapur said “It is not necessary that every sit-in has people in it.” He alleged that the party has been subjected to systematic oppression, with baseless cases being registered against its members.
“Direct shots were fired, I and Bushra Bibi were also attacked,” Gandapur said, reiterating that PTI is a peaceful party and has consistently advocated for the supremacy of the Constitution.
Furthermore, the PTI leader alleged that PTI protestors were completely peaceful in Islamabad, but these pharaohs [government] oppressed us. “Several of our workers have been martyred, and hundreds have been injured. Why were we fired upon and subjected to violence when we remained peaceful?”
Moving on in his presser, the chief minister criticised the government, adding, “Whenever we announce a rally or procession, we are denied permission. Even the courts are not providing justice.”
The KP CM also revealed personal attacks against him during the protests. “I was personally targeted, there was an attempt to abduct me, and even a failed assassination attempt,” he claimed.
He pledged to file an FIR for the violence against PTI workers and to hold those responsible accountable.
He announced Rs10 million each for the PTI workers who died during the crossfire from security forces personnel at D-Chowk. The party would bear the cost for the injured workers, he added.
While addressing the party workers, the Opposition leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub strongly condemned the state brutality and straight firing on PTI supporters during the Islamabad protest.
“We are subjected to violence, and yet, the cases are also filed against us,” he said while criticising the government.
Senior PTI leader alleged, “We [PTI workers] rescued more than 60 Punjab police personnel and shifted them to safe places, we did not harm anyone but we were harmed a lot.”
Ayub praised the dedication of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, highlighting his efforts in ensuring food, medical aid, and transportation for PTI workers during the protests.
He further expressed pride in the party’s leadership decisions, stating: “I take pride in the founder of PTI’s decision to appoint Ali Amin as chief minister.”
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