K-P PTI readies itself for Islamabad march

Saif says power show might prompt Maryam, Nawaz to stay abroad

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's Information and Public Relations Adviser Barrister Dr Saif has announced that all preparations for the 'final round' march on Islamabad have been completed.

"Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is personally overseeing the arrangements to ensure the success of the movement," he assured.

Barrister Saif said that the upcoming protests are to begin in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and will be marked by widespread participation from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) officials, party workers, and the general public.

"This protest is expected to be a powerful display of public discontent, reaching a level that could prompt Maryam Nawaz and her father to consider staying abroad for their safety," he asserted.

He stated that the recent arrests of PTI leaders highlight the desperation of the current government, which is increasingly exposed as a "fake" regime. They are unable to address the people's genuine concerns."

The last time the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf marched on the capital, many key leaders and workers were detained, the K-P House was besieged, and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur went missing for some 24 hours.

Initial reports suggested that he was taken into custody at K-P House on charges of attacking the state and misusing government resources. The reported detention followed a raid at the location, with officials moving in to execute Gandapur's arrest warrants.

According to sources, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader was facing serious allegations, including damaging government property and illegally utilising state resources.

Islamabad's Inspector General (IG) was said to be responsible for leading the efforts to take Gandapur into custody.

Conflicting reports later arose with some sources saying that Gandapur had not been detained. Just a day later, the chief minister emerged in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to a roaring welcome.

In the first cabinet meeting after the debacle in the federal capital, Gandapur strongly reacted to the events in Islamabad.

He stated that uniformed personnel of the K-P police were beaten, and some officials, along with rescue personnel, were unlawfully detained

Gandapur warned that if any evidence of violence against K-P personnel by Islamabad police and administration surfaced, the strictest of action would be taken. He added that rescue machinery was also unlawfully seized.

The CM continued that as chief minister, wherever he goes, personnel, ambulances, and necessary machinery are in tow.

He labeled the events at the K-P House in Islamabad as fascism, and said property was unlawfully damaged. He assured at the time that consultations were under way for legal action against the federal capital's law administration.

Also at the time, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) initiated the sealing of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, citing violations of building regulations. Multiple blocks of the facility had already been closed down as part of the enforcement action.

CDA sources indicated that the decision to seal the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House was prompted by the administration's failure to comply with building rules. However, observers said that it was not merely coincidental that the development arrived on the coattails of the political turmoil just a few days earlier.