'We seek peaceful protest, not confrontation': Ali Amin Gandapur

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur criticised the federal government and its allies, asserting that peaceful protest is a constitutional right. He stated that the intent is not to engage in conflict or cause harm to anyone.

A statement released from the Chief Minister's House on Wednesday said that Gandapur met with members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from all four regions of the province.

The discussions focused on organising preparations for a peaceful protest scheduled for October 4 in Islamabad, with strategies finalised to ensure maximum participation.

During the meeting, party leaders and elected representatives were assigned responsibilities to mobilise more people for the protest. 

Gandapur stated that efforts should be made to engage as many workers and citizens as possible to participate in the peaceful protest. He stressed that the K-P convoys would arrive in Islamabad in an organised manner, with party leaders taking charge of leading these convoys.

He urged the leaders to ensure discipline among the participants and adhere to the agreed-upon plan, reiterating that they would exercise their democratic right peacefully without intending to harm anyone. 

Gandapur remarked that they do not seek confrontation, noting that police are their brothers and any harm to them would be a loss for all. He accused the federal government of using underhanded tactics to obstruct their path.

He expressed that the public perceives the government's actions and measures as wrong, accusing them of attempting to weaken PTI under the guise of constitutional amendments.

The chief minister acknowledged that the previous protest suffered from poor planning, necessitating a retreat via back routes. He noted that party workers and leaders lacked quality masks and protective equipment but assured that this time, a specialised and trained team would precede the convoys.

He explained that machinery would lead the convoys, unlike the previous instance where it followed behind. He warned that if the route were blocked, it could take several days to reach D-Chowk. 

Gandapur confirmed that they would proceed with full preparations, with convoys departing Peshawar at 11 am and from Swabi after 12 pm, and it was decided that the CM would lead all the convoys.