DERA ISMAIL KHAN – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Friday vowed to go to any length to secure the “honourable release” of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, declaring himself “a rebel against the system” that had “unjustly imprisoned” their leader.
Addressing a public gathering at Paharpur Sports Stadium following a large rally from Al-Amin House, Gandapur invoked the Constitution and the rule of law in asserting PTI’s right to reclaim its mandate, affirming that his party remained prepared to “take bullets on the chest” in the struggle for justice.
The August 14 rally, part of PTI’s protest movement, featured hundreds of vehicles and received warm receptions along the route to Paharpur, reflecting significant public support.
In a fiery speech, the chief minister accused the state of carrying out a campaign of “oppression” since May 9, 2023. He noted that despite arrests and violence suffered by PTI supporters, their resolve remained strong. “We will not commit suicide, we will fight. Those who shoot at us will face the same,” he declared.
Gandapur further condemned what he described as a “war against its own people,” stressing that peace remained essential for development. “If people have taken up arms, the state also bears responsibility,” he added. While expressing support for the eradication of terrorism, he warned that it should not be used to justify oppression of citizens.
Highlighting regional ties, Gandapur underscored cultural connections with Afghanistan and called for stronger bilateral relations. He also announced that Paharpur would be elevated to district status, a development he said would benefit the region’s administrative structure.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.