LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced the launch of a new protest movement, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur declaring that further details will be revealed soon.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, Gandapur lashed out at the federal government, accusing it of political victimisation of PTI and its leadership. He said that imprisoned party founder Imran Khan has initiated a new political movement to restore democratic and constitutional rights in the country.
“If anyone has genuinely started a movement in Pakistan, it’s Imran Khan,” he said, adding that PTI had been under attack even before the general elections. He condemned the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for depriving the party of its electoral symbol ahead of the polls, calling it a deliberate move to sideline PTI.
Gandapur labelled the cases against Imran Khan as “fabricated and politically driven,” asserting that despite continuous scrutiny, authorities have failed to prove any wrongdoing. “If any conspiracy is proven against us, hang me in the public square,” he stated.
He underscored that PTI reserves the constitutional right to protest, claiming, “We are being blocked from peaceful demonstrations. Let me be clear, the movement has started and will not be stopped.”
He declared that the 90-day protest campaign began Saturday night, aiming to compel decision-makers to come to the table. “Dialogue is inevitable. We are not seeking any backdoor deals. Imran Khan is ready for talks—for the sake of Pakistan,” Gandapur said.
The chief minister announced that a comprehensive political strategy would be finalised by August 5, issuing a deadline to the federal government. “This is not an empty threat. The people have rejected other parties. If this movement is ignored, we will intensify it,” he warned.
He also stressed the party’s readiness to accept legal consequences if found guilty of any wrongdoing. “If we’ve made mistakes, we are prepared for punishment. But if proven innocent, those behind this persecution must also be held accountable,” Gandapur asserted.
Concluding his remarks, Gandapur assured, “We guarantee in writing that our protests will remain peaceful and free of violence.”
