Gandapur defends speech at Islamabad rally, refuses to apologise

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has defended his absence after a speech at a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Islamabad, stating that he was not forcibly detained but had to attend a meeting with government officials.

He also remained firm on his remarks made during the rally, refusing to apologise.

Addressing concerns raised by members of his parliamentary party during a meeting in Peshawar on Tuesday, Gandapur explained, "I had an official meeting with authorities, so I had to stay overnight. There was no force involved."

Parliamentary members had expressed worry over his prolonged absence. Gandapur clarified, "Due to jammers, I could not stay in contact, which led to concern among my family and colleagues."

Regarding his controversial remarks at the Sangjani rally, the chief minister said, "I stand by my words. I will neither retract nor apologise." He further added, "PTI founder Imran Khan has endorsed my stance. Anyone opposing it can do so."

His firm tone garnered support from the parliamentary members, who backed his stance and agreed to adopt a hardline approach in future rallies. The members also decided that five to seven members would deliver strong speeches during the assembly sessions to express their emotions.

The closed-door meeting at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar also outlined a future strategy, with plans for more rallies across the country.

Earlier, Gandapur's absence for over eight hours raised concerns. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Adviser on Information, Barrister Saif, had issued a statement expressing concern, saying, "Chief Minister Gandapur is in Islamabad, but we have no information on his whereabouts. Attempts to contact him have failed, and his phone is switched off."

Speculations arose that Gandapur might have been arrested after a case was registered against him in Islamabad. An FIR was filed at Sangjani Police Station, alleging unlawful detention of a district official who had warned Gandapur and his team about exceeding the time limit for the rally.

Gandapur also came under criticism for his aggressive comments against journalists during the PTI power show in Islamabad.

Several federal ministers and senators condemned his remarks. Despite this, Gandapur remained defiant, stating that if the PTI founder, Imran Khan, is not legally released within one to two weeks, "we will have him freed ourselves" and announced plans to hold another rally in Lahore.