On Sunday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur declared that he has “nothing to apologize for” and demanded an apology from the Punjab government for the “persecution” of the PTI.
Gandapur faced heavy criticism after his fiery speech at a PTI rally near Islamabad on September 8. In it, he labeled journalists as “sellouts” and “sycophants,” accusing them of giving in to pressure from the establishment and the government.
Even PTI leader Imran Khan admitted Gandapur’s comments were inappropriate. While speaking to reporters in Adiala Jail, Imran Khan said the chief minister had spoken “a bit too much in his rhetoric” and should not have made such remarks against journalists.
In response, many political figures demanded an apology from Gandapur. However, in a video statement released online, Gandapur asked, “What should I apologize for?”
He added, “The Punjab government wants me to apologize, but they are the ones who should apologize. They imprisoned Imran Khan and attacked peaceful protesters, killing people like Zille Shah. Will the IG of Punjab apologize for that?”
Gandapur firmly stated, “I’ve done nothing that requires an apology. If they want to file cases, go ahead. We stand with Imran Khan and will free him and make him prime minister again. I am nobody’s slave and will apologize to no one.”
He also thanked PTI supporters from Lahore and KP for participating in the rally, adding, “I’m grateful to those who stood up for the truth.”
Gandapur criticized the Punjab government for cutting off the power and ending the rally at 6 pm on Saturday. “There are no consistent rules in this country. We want a united Pakistan, not one country with two different approaches,” he said.
He also condemned the government for making “false statements” about the roads being open and rally access being easy. “People aren’t stupid,” he said. “The rally venue was blocked for 2 kilometers with barriers, and containers blocked the other routes. If this government were truly democratic, they would have let us hold the rally at Minari-Pakistan.”
Courts Are Not FreeGandapur claimed that the courts are “not free” and urged party workers to protest peacefully nationwide on Friday. “The judges themselves have said that the courts aren’t free. We stand with the courts and anyone being pressured. We are not enslaved, and we won’t accept any form of slavery.”
He emphasized that the PTI does not recognize the “Form 47 government” or any constitutional amendments it has made. He called on supporters to join peaceful protests for Imran Khan’s release and the freedom of the courts and constitution.
He announced that the party would hold a large rally in Mianwali next Sunday, followed by one in Rawalpindi. “You must join this movement and raise your voice wherever you can,” he urged.
