K-P CM Gandapur and other PTI leaders booked for GT Road protests

Case filed against PTI figures including Azam Swati, Amir Mughal, Umar Ayub, Barrister Saif, and 350 unnamed activists

A case has been registered against the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, and several leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for their alleged involvement in protests that led to the blocking of the GT Road and incidents of vandalism.

PTI figures including Azam Swati, Amir Mughal, Umar Ayub, and Barrister Saif were also named in the case. Additionally, around 350 unnamed party activists have also been named in the complaint.

The charges have been filed under 14 sections of the law, including terrorism and attempted murder.

The FIR alleges that police personnel were fired upon and taken hostage during the protests. It states that the arrested individuals claimed they were acting on the orders of the PTI founder, with instructions to reach D-Chowk at any cost.

This legal action follows similar charges filed against PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, in Lahore, where accusations of rebellion and terrorism were made against them and their supporters.

The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding PTI's protest activities and the government's response to civil unrest.

CM Gandapur resurfaces after day-long disappearance, addresses K-P Assembly

After nearly a full day of uncertainty, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reappeared at the provincial assembly on Sunday, following his sudden disappearance during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led protest in Islamabad a day earlier.

The mystery surrounding Gandapur’s absence had sparked widespread concern, prompting the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to pass an urgent resolution demanding his immediate release. Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam tabled the resolution, which condemned the recent raid on Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad and the violent incidents that ensued.

Gandapur, who had been last seen leading a convoy of PTI protestors into Islamabad on October 5, was reportedly near China Chowk when he disappeared.

CCTV footage from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House shows him entering the premises but later leaving in civilian clothes, raising questions about whether his departure was voluntary. PTI leaders, including former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding his release. "If the chief minister is not freed, we will launch nationwide protests," Qaiser warned.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified the situation: "Ali Amin Gandapur is not in the custody of any federal agency. He has chosen to go into hiding of his own accord," he said, though this statement only added to the confusion.

Upon his return to the K-P Assembly, Gandapur delivered a fiery speech, accusing the federal government of undermining the will of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. "A historic chapter has been written, and now they are trying to erase it," he declared, referring to the PTI's political achievements.

He also criticised the treatment of PTI members, stating, "Our party symbol has been taken from us, our members have been kidnapped, and we were not allowed to run an election campaign."

Gandapur highlighted the party’s electoral success, questioning how the opposition secured votes: "PTI received over 4.5 million votes. Where did the opposition get their votes from?"

Gandapur denounced the raid on K-P House, calling it an attack on the province’s autonomy. "The K-P House is our property, and they shelled and fired upon it. What gives them the right to treat it like this?" he asked.

In a direct criticism of the current administration, he questioned, "Why are they so afraid? We requested permission for a rally in Lahore, but they didn’t even allow us to hold it at Minar-e-Pakistan. Are we animals? They want us to hold rallies in cattle markets."

He concluded with a defiant message: "They thought we wouldn’t make it to D-Chowk, but we did. This is not just about me or PTI; it’s about Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and its rightful place in the federation."

Despite his reappearance, the political tension continues to build, with PTI accusing the federal government of attempting to destabilise the province. As the stand-off continues, PTI leaders have threatened nationwide protests if further action is taken against their members or leadership.