KP CM vows to lead fresh protests

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday lashed out at the federal government and described the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment as a blow to judicial independence and vowed to lead fresh protests against it.

Speaking on the floor of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, he hailed the passage of a key police bill aimed at public safety and the formation of the Public Safety Commission. He criticized internal dissent within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), promising to expose those who betrayed the party’s ideology. Gandapur also highlighted the isolation of Imran Khan, who remained in jail on what he termed “false charges,” and called on citizens to move beyond social media activism, urging them to prepare for nationwide protests if their demands were not met. Turning his attention to the 26th Amendment, Gandapur did not mince words, declaring it a “black day” for Pakistan’s judiciary. He alleged that the judiciary was no longer independent and that the federal government had taken control of it to serve its own interests. “This government, which has no mandate from the people, has created illegal departments, appointing their cronies to control key institutions. This amendment is not for the well-being of the people but serves only a select few,” he said, promising to fight the amendment with all available means. “We will go to the last extent to stop this amendment from taking root,” he vowed.

Gandapur also spoke out against betrayal within PTI ranks, stating that certain members had voted against Imran Khan and the party’s core values. “Some in PTI sold their votes and stood against Imran Khan’s vision. We know who they are, and their names will be revealed soon. These individuals were elected using Imran Khan’s name, but now they worked against the party’s ideology. There is no place for such people in PTI, and the public will not forgive them,” he said.

The chief minister condemned the continued isolation of Imran Khan, who remained imprisoned on charges and dismissed them as fabricated. He expressed frustration at being denied access to Imran Khan and criticized the authorities for keeping him in isolation.

“Imran Khan is being held on false charges, and we have not been allowed to see him. This is a grave injustice, and we will seek answers from those responsible,” he said. Gandapur said two PTI parliamentarians, Liaqat Khan and Anwar Zeb Khan, were prevented from attending the assembly session despite production orders being issued. “This could happen to any of us tomorrow,” he cautioned, calling for unity within the party.

Gandapur urged the public to move beyond social media activism and prepare for direct action. He announced that PTI was planning another strike, with new strategies to demand justice and the protection of public rights. “We are preparing for another wave of protests. If the senior-most judge is not appointed the chief justice, we will take to the roads. We are ready to strike and will stop at nothing to ensure justice is served,” Gandapur declared.

Defending the newly passed police bill, Gandapur underscored its significance in improving law and order in the province. “This bill is for the safety of the people, ensuring that power is not misused as we have witnessed in the past. We have established committees to serve the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and we stand with our police force to ensure peace and justice,” he said.