Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s prime minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who is a PTI leader, said Saturday that his provincial government did not support any operation, a reference to military action in several parts of the province against militants.
Going to a PTI rally in Peshawar, he said: “We will not allow any operation and we will not support it … federal government, listen. The KP government does not support the operation or displacement.”
Gandapur asked the “federal institutions” to speak with Afghanistan and resolve the issue of terrorism in the country.
“We do not want the war and we will raise our voice against it,” he added.
Gandapur has been changing positions on the matter.
In July, he said in a very edited video message that the Armed Forces were in the province at the request of the KP government and that they should be treated as “guests” and with respect.
This came into contrast to another video statement issued by him after a parliamentary meeting of PTI a day ago, in which he said that innocent civilians were martyred in a military offensive launched against militants in the district of Bajaur. He added that such operations had a negative impact and eroded trust between people and forces.
Meanwhile, the PTI opposed military action.
More recently, on Tuesday, he said that the bombing of mortar, drone blows and the use of combat aircraft against terrorists was the constitutional right of the military and that the provincial government could not stop it.
Gandapur asks for justice
In today’s rally, the CM of KP also urged the Judiciary to serve justice in line with the Constitution. “I give justice to Imran Khan, his wife and people,” said Gandapur.
The CM also declared that PTI’s fight for ‘Haqeeqi Azadi‘He would continue until he achieved success.
Addressing the Army Field Chief Likewise, he said: “It is mandatory for you to play your role and solve the problem of Imran” just like the founder of PTI had played his role during the May conflict with India, he asked people to support the Armed Forces.
Previously, the rally, the leader of PTI, Faisal Javed, announced that Imran’s “video messages” would reproduce in the rally.
“At one time, Imran Khan will talk to you on this screen, Peshawar,” he said.
Later, a video of an Imran address was reproduced, but it seemed to be from a previous public meeting.
The party leader, Azam Swati, also addressed the meeting and promised to stay aware and “continue with cruelty and barbarism” until Imran will free himself from jail. He expressed the hope that Imran soon would leave prison and take the country towards development, prosperity and peace.
Rally arrangements
According to information shared by the PTI on social networks, workers and party supporters have arrived in Peshawar from all over the country to participate in the demonstration.
While television channels did not broadcast it, the PTI used social networks to transmit the online event.
Previously, a statement issued by the Office of the Capital Police Director of Peshawar, Mian Saeed Ahmed, detailed the security and traffic plan before the demonstration.
The statement said that 1,451 police personnel would be deployed as part of the security arrangements and snipers would be parked on the ceilings of the buildings around the place of the rally.
Meanwhile, 508 traffic personnel would be implemented at different points under the traffic plan, according to the statement.
Several PTI leaders visited the place of the rally and examined the arrangements before the event. They included Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan and the provincial president of PTI, Junaid Akbar.
Before the meeting, the secretary general of PTI, Salman Akram Raja, said Friday that the demonstration of the party in Peshawar would generate a strong voice throughout the country against illegality, constitutional violations and restrictions on freedom of expression.
More to follow
Additional entrance from Zahid Imdad
