PTI keeps protest strategy close to chest

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will proceed to the federal capital as planned, but kept all strategic cards close to his chest.

He emphasised that while he couldn't disclose the full protest strategy, he assured that workers were prepared for all eventualities. Gandapur criticised the federal government's actions, saying that closing off Islamabad was unjust, as holding a peaceful protest is a constitutional right.

He argued that creating obstacles, shelling, and using rubber bullets were inappropriate methods. "Such tactics violate the law."

He also mentioned that the petition for registering a case against the IG of Islamabad is now in court, and he cannot comment further on the matter.

On Wednesday, right after the announcement of the PTI's central leadership to march to Islamabad on November 24, Gandapur stated that they are ready to fight the "final round", and this time, there will be no turning back.

He said that the founding chairman has announced the date for the final protest, and on November 24, the entire nation will head toward Islamabad.

He added that they had been preparing in advance and would march with complete readiness, declaring that they would not return without achieving their objectives.

Bail extended

Earlier, the Peshawar High Court extended Ali Amin Gandapur's protective bail until December 17.

Additionally, notices were issued to the federal and provincial governments, asking for details of cases against the chief minister.

During the hearing, Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court remarked that the province needs the chief minister's attention, as he was elected by the people of the province. Justice Sahibzada Asadullah added that as chief minister, he has other responsibilities and cannot appear in court daily.

The two-member bench, consisting of Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah, heard the case.

In court, the petitioner Ali Amin Gandapur, his lawyer Alam Khan Adeenzai, Additional Advocate General Inam Yousafzai, and Additional Attorney General Sanaullah, representing the federation, were present. The CM's lawyer informed the court that Gandapur needed to travel to Islamabad for an IMF meeting. He also stated that they had filed a petition seeking details of cases against the chief minister, but responses from the federation and other provinces were to be received.

The additional attorney general assured the bench that he had communicated with the Ministry of Interior, and a report would be submitted within three weeks.

The chief justice remarked that while the court could demand responses from the federation, it could only provide protective bail within Punjab. Justice Sahibzada Asadullah reiterated that the chief minister has other responsibilities and cannot be expected to appear in court daily.

Despite no response from the federation, the court extended the CM's protective bail until December 17. The additional attorney general stated that letters had been sent to Punjab and Islamabad, requesting details of cases against Gandapur, and a report would be submitted within three weeks.