K-P Chief Minister Warns of Retaliation if Provoked
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has once again stirred controversy with a fiery call to action, urging Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to be prepared for an armed march on Islamabad to demand the release of incarcerated former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan.
Speaking at a charged rally in Mathra, on the outskirts of Peshawar, Gandapur issued a stark warning: “If fired upon, we will respond with full force.” He declared, “If they shoot, we won’t stay silent—we’ll hit back hard.”
The rally, organised by local PTI MNAs and MPAs to demand the release of party leadership, was attended by prominent figures including former MNA Sajid Nawaz, former deputy speaker Mehmood Jan, and MNA Sher Ali Arbab. Gandapur was welcomed with traditional fanfare, including fireworks and a ceremonial turban.
Addressing the gathering, party leaders called for mass mobilisation, claiming that peaceful efforts had failed and that only a strong, unified movement could secure Khan’s release. They urged supporters to be ready for a nationwide push, swearing in participants to join any future action when summoned.
While local lawmakers briefly touched upon regional issues, Gandapur kept his speech laser-focused on party concerns. “Don’t worry about local matters for now,” he said. “Wait for the call. When it comes, be ready.”
He reiterated that the response to any aggression this time would be different: “We will march with arms. If bullets are fired at us, we will not just take them—we will respond with force.”
In a final announcement, Gandapur revealed that province-wide protests will be held on June 22 at tehsil and district levels across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to press for Imran Khan’s release.
