K-P CM under fire over 'derogatory' remarks

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday came under fire for his tirade against journalists during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) power show in Islamabad Several federal ministers and senators condemned the main opposition party's firebrand leader.

"If the founder of the PTI is not legally released within one to two weeks, we will have him freed ourselves," the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister said during Sunday's event, announcing to hold a rally in Lahore in the face of any obstacles or restrictions in his typical tone.

Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said that those who are "hollow inside" can only hurl threats. "[He is] challenging a woman while standing on the stage, while being scared of terrorists" the minister said while condemning the KP government's "failure" to control rising militancy in the province.

While addressing a news conference in the federal capital alongside federal Minster for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam, Tarar said that Gandapur vented out his frustration of a failed rally on Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz and institutions.

Amir in a strong condemnation of Gandapur's statement about the top brass of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), said that KP CM badly failed to show his provincial government's performance.

He termed Gandapur's use of derogatory language about his Punjab counterpart a "very shameful act", saying that KP CM had violated all the Pakhtoon norms and respect for women.

Moreover, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman also condemned the chief minister's remarks, saying that the PTI was "once again promoting the politics of violence and chaos".

A statement issued by her office read that the Gandapur's threats against institutions were highly "condemnable". "Does the PTI want the justice system to be run by rallies and gatherings?

Those who threaten to free the accused with the help of mobs are armed groups, not the political parties," Rehman stated.

Also, journalists staged protests in both houses of parliament on Monday after Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur made objectionable remarks about the media during Sunday night's rally.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership swiftly issued an unconditional apology.

During the Senate session, journalists boycotted proceedings in protest against Gandapur's speech. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar personally approached the journalists, offering an apology.

"We respect the entire journalist community," Gohar said. "I extend an unconditional apology for any hurt caused by the chief minister's remarks, which were directed at only a few journalists."