Gandapur unveils plan to reclaim PTI symbol

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister-designate, Ali Amin Gandapur, has announced a strategic legal move aimed at ensuring that independently elected candidates supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have the opportunity to join PTI rather than being compelled to align with other political factions.

Gandapur made this announcement while addressing journalists at the Speaker House in Peshawar. He emphasized the formation of a specialized provincial legal team dedicated to this particular cause, underlining the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring fair representation for PTI supporters.

In a bold statement, Gandapur expressed a willingness to surrender to lawful arrest if it would ultimately benefit the country. He also highlighted the establishment of a provincial complaint cell modeled after the Prime Minister Portal, stressing the importance of unity in safeguarding the rights of the province.

Regarding recent incidents of unrest, Gandapur vehemently denied PTI’s involvement and called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for any damages. He provided instances where PTI supporters intending to stage protests were restrained by security forces, demonstrating the party’s commitment to maintaining law and order.

“We need unity and support of all for the rights of the province,” he said, adding that he would go to any lengths to secure the rights of the K-P province from the Centre.

Read: Gandapur to convene parliamentary party soon

“Silence is not the answer. We would go to any length to take the due rights of the province and we know how to do it,” he observed, adding that he would take all the parties in the province into confidence over the issue.

About May 9 riots, he remarked: “If some supporters of PTI wanted to cause damage they should have been stopped because some of them wanted to march on the residence of Rana Sanaullah and they were stopped by the policemen deployed for security.”

He acknowledged that FIRs have been registered against him in nine districts of the country, including Lahore and Mianwali, but his party PTI now aims to leave the past behind and forge ahead.

“We are ready to set aside past grievances and implement substantial reforms in government institutions to enhance their performance and meet the public’s expectations,” he declared.

He emphasized that his party and its leaders are committed to abandoning the politics of revenge. He cited Imran Khan’s affirmation that the army and police are valued allies of PTI, closely aligned with the party’s objectives.

Acknowledging past legal challenges faced by PTI, Gandapur expressed the party’s readiness to move forward, emphasizing a proactive approach to implementing significant governmental reforms aimed at improving public service delivery. He reiterated PTI’s departure from retaliatory politics.

Gandapur outlined a comprehensive plan to reinstate the Insaf Sehat Card province-wide upon assuming office.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th 2024.