LAHORE: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur delivered a defiant speech in Lahore on Saturday, giving authorities a 90-day deadline to release imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan and warning of decisive action if unmet.
Addressing a joint meeting of PTI parliamentary committees from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at a Raiwind Road farmhouse, Gandapur declared: “Our 90 days begin today. On the 91st day, it will be either us or you. Enough is enough.” He directed the ultimatum at “decision-makers” and “custodians of the state,” accusing a powerful “mafia” of hijacking Pakistan’s political system.
The meeting marked the formal launch of a renewed PTI protest campaign focused on securing Khan’s freedom and resisting what the party terms growing authoritarianism. Gandapur led attendees in an oath to intensify efforts for Khan’s release, calling him “innocent” and imprisoned for fighting for Pakistan’s future.
Gandapur sharply criticized the current situation, alleging it resembled “de facto martial law” damaging democracy and public trust. He claimed responsibility lay with individuals using “blackmail and violence,” lamenting the military’s reputation being tarnished by “a few individuals’ interference.”
The Chief Minister stated unequivocal loyalty only to Imran Khan and the public, dismissing any external pressure. He urged nationwide party workers to prepare for protests, condemning the pre-emptive arrest of activists: “We announce a movement, and our workers are abducted — this won’t go on.”
His rhetoric escalated with a warning: “If you shoot at me, be ready to be shot at too. If you act unlawfully, we will respond in kind.” He also challenged reported attempts to destabilize his provincial government, asserting it was earned through public support, not given.
Gandapur arrived in Lahore leading a PTI convoy from Islamabad, joined by Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan
PTI convoy arrives in Lahore, plans major protest movement
