LAHORE: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday announced the formal launch of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) anti-government movement from Lahore, saying political struggles that begin in the city often gain nationwide traction.
“We will take practical steps after consultation to ensure the movement reaches its peak by August 5,” Gandapur said during a key strategy session in Raiwind. His remarks follow jailed PTI founder Imran Khan’s directive for the protest to intensify on August 5—marking two years since his imprisonment.
Responding to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s criticism of PTI’s KP government, Gandapur accused Fazl and his party of holding a “fake mandate,” claiming most of their lawmakers were elected through alleged manipulation of Form-47. “The public has rejected Maulana Fazl. He should focus on reforming his party rather than commenting on PTI,” Gandapur added.
Earlier, Fazl suggested any political change in KP should come from within PTI, noting the province cannot withstand further instability.
The KP chief minister also warned the Punjab government over restrictions on PTI gatherings, terming the suspension of PTI MPAs “illegal.” He hinted at retaliatory measures in KP if such actions persist.
The opposition alliance in KP, emboldened by the Supreme Court’s June 27 verdict disqualifying PTI from reserved seats, is reportedly just 20 members short of securing a simple majority in the provincial assembly.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan confirmed the former premier would lead the protest “from prison,” while urging party leaders unwilling to shoulder the movement’s burden to step aside. She revealed Khan’s family would fully participate and said protest routes—whether from Peshawar to Lahore—will be shared later.
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram clarified Gandapur’s earlier remarks about carrying weapons to protests, saying the chief minister referred to the right of self-defense. Akram added that the party plans province- and district-level demonstrations in the campaign’s first phase, under Gandapur’s leadership.
The news has been copied from News.com.pk.
