Imran strikes a defiant note

PTI founder slams door on negotiations with govt

RAWALPINDI/PESHAWAR:

Reeling from a fresh crackdown on its top brass, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday dug in its heels regarding political dialogue with the government, with its chairman vowing to stick by every word spoken by his leader during a rally near the federal capital.

This came as the situation reached a boiling point, as several PTI leaders, including PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan and multiple lawmakers, were taken into custody, following a skirmish between party workers and police during a rally at Sangjani on Sunday.

Furthermore, PTI founder Imran Khan has slammed the door on negotiations with all parties, including the establishment, while staunchly defending Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and his controversial remarks.

Speaking to the media from Adiala Jail on Tuesday, the former prime minister revealed that six party leaders had been previously authorized to engage in dialogue with the establishment, underscoring that he had never barred anyone from talks.

"We have been cheated," Imran asserted, expressing his discontent with the current political climate.

He confirmed that the party would proceed with its planned rally in Lahore on September 21, irrespective of any permissions or restrictions.

Imran Khan also addressed Gandapur's statements made during the Islamabad rally, staunchly supporting Gandapur and asserting that he voiced the "sentiments of the nation."

He dismissed those distancing themselves from Gandapur's remarks as "cowards," suggesting they should leave the party.

He particularly criticised Faisal Vawda, branding him as merely a "mouthpiece."

The PTI founder reiterated his demand for an open trial in the Arshad Sharif murder case, calling for transparency and justice.

Responding to allegations from Vawda regarding involvement in Sharif's murder, Imran denied any wrongdoing and demanded an open trial to uncover the truth, stating, "Everyone knows who Faisal Vawda is speaking for."

Meanwhile, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur 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, 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."

In Peshawar, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja declared, "There should be no misunderstanding – the people have risen."

Raja, flanked by notable party figures Omar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, Azam Swati, and others, made these remarks following a core committee meeting.

Raja accused certain elements of manipulating Pakistan's political and democratic systems, stressing that PTI would not retreat in the face of efforts to stifle the people's voice.

He defended the speeches made during the recent Islamabad rally, asserting that the event's atmosphere was markedly different from typical political discourse.

The party expressed strong disapproval of the arrests of lawmakers and officials, alleging that these detentions were carried out under the pretext of public gathering violations.

Several MNAs were notably detained in Islamabad as part of this crackdown.

At the briefing's outset, journalists protested remarks made by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur against the media during a PTI rally in Islamabad.

They demanded an explanation for Gandapur's absence, especially after PTI had previously promised an apology. Raja explained that Gandapur was attending an assembly session.

During the news conference, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub condemned the government for attempting to obstruct PTI's Islamabad gathering, accusing the ruling coalition of baseless allegations and imprisoning PTI leaders.

He termed the arrests on September 9 as a "black day" and alleged that masked individuals had abducted several PTI leaders, including MNA Sher Afzal Marwat and lawyer Shoaib Shaheen.

Asad Qaiser announced that the party would continue its street protests and legal battles.

He called for the immediate release of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and other detained members.

Additionally, Qaiser advocated for fresh elections, denouncing the current government as illegitimate, and suggested filing contempt of court cases against the Islamabad police chief and commissioner for obstructing the rally.

The PTI core committee convened earlier at the CM House in Peshawar, with K-P CM Gandapur in attendance.

According to party insiders, PTI plans to kick off nationwide protests starting Friday, with lawmakers raising the issue of their leaders' arrests in the assembly.