Gandapur vows to return again

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was unable to join his party's protest in Rawalpindi as he got stuck at the Burhan Interchange, where he later announced the end of the protest and instructed workers to return home.

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) arriving from K-P had gathered at Burhan Interchange, and after the Punjab Police halted shelling, they began advancing towards Rawalpindi.

Long queues of vehicles formed on the motorway, with PTI workers leaving their vehicles to march on foot. Gandapur's convoy arrived at the scene, and the chief minister instructed his supporters to move forward, despite the ongoing shelling.

However, as they progressed, Punjab Police resumed shelling, leaving Gandapur trapped in the crowd. Subsequently, he announced the conclusion of the protest and urged the demonstrators to disperse, stating, "We will return again."

As tensions rose at Burhan, PTI workers blocked Chief Minister Gandapur's vehicle, protesting the police shelling and motorway closure. They demanded that Gandapur lead them on foot. In response, the chief minister briefly exited his vehicle and encouraged the protesters to continue advancing. However, when some workers insisted he join them on foot, Gandapur lost his temper and allegedly used inappropriate language before retreating to his car.

Meanwhile, Barrister Dr Saif, a senior PTI leader and K-P government spokesperson, praised Gandapur's efforts, stating, "The chief minister recorded a strong protest today by crossing the Attock border and demonstrating on Punjab soil."