In first speech after ‘resurfacing’: Defiant Gandapur vows to stand by Imran

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who remained “unreachable” for several hours following his explosive speech at PTI’s September 8 rally in Islamabad, resurfaced at a ceremony of Peshawar Bar Council Association on Wednesday, saying he would stand by jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan come what may.

“I want to give a message to our leader [Imran Khan] that we support your ideology,” said the KP chief minister who remained “missing” for hours in the wake of the fresh crackdown against the former ruling party over violation of newly enacted public gathering law following the party’s September 8 rally in Islamabad.

The development was confirmed by PTI MNA Shahid Khattak with sources saying that the CM was “busy in various meetings” in the federal capital after the party’s power show. Following his return, they maintained that Gandapur held a long meeting with government officials over the law-and-order situation in the province and that he couldn’t be reached due to mobile phone jammers at the location of the said meeting.

Addressing the bar council members on Wednesday, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister urged institutions to “mend their ways” for the people and the country and added, “it will be in their best interests”. Gandapur also asked the institutions to engage in dialogue with the incarcerated PTI founder to resolve outstanding issues.

He emphasised the need for collective progress over personal ego, saying, “Our goal should be to lift the country, not our egos.” Referring to the recent terror attacks in the province, Gandapur said he had told the apex committee that the trust of his people and the police has broken. “My province is bleeding and they do not care,” he regretted.

The chief executive announced to send a delegation of the provincial government to neighbouring Afghanistan to hold dialogue and settle the issues. “I am accountable to the people of my province, who voted for PTI and brought it into power. If they agree, that’s good, and if not, then very very good.”

Speaking of the cases registered against him following the Islamabad rally, CM Gandapur said it was alleged that he had pointed a pistol towards a deputy superintendent of police (DSP). Rejecting the allegations, he said he hasn’t seen a person in blue uniform — referring to Islamabad police. “Mend your ways […] It’s not a threat,” he asked the police official. Furthermore, the chief minister noted that raising a voice against the oppressed party leaders was jihad. “When I highlight the issue, they blame me for provoking the people,” he added.

He also called the journalists his “brothers”, saying that it was not a big deal if the newsmen spoiled his reputation. The KP CM’s statement followed amid uproar over his “vulgar and threatening” remarks against journalists, mainly women during the Sept 8 public rally

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif clarified that the KP chief minister was not missing from the public scene. Talking to the Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’, Saif clarified that a press conference was held by the central leadership of the party. Ali Amin could attend the KP Assembly session at any time. He said Ali Amin had a meeting with establishment.

Besides, the PTI said in a statement that Ali Amin Gandapur had a long meeting with government officials in Islamabad in which the law & order situation of the province was discussed.