PTI’s ‘final call’ still on: CM Gandapur in Mansehra

'Only Imran Khan has the authority to call off protest'

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said on Wednesday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest is still ongoing, asserting that only party founder Imran Khan has the authority to decide when it will be called off.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the party announced a "temporary suspension" of its "do-or-die" protest, following a midnight crackdown by law enforcement officials that successfully dispersed PTI workers.

Speaking at a press conference in Mansehra today, CM Gandapur emphasised that the protest, which had been initiated by Imran, was not just a political demonstration but part of a broader movement for Pakistan’s future.

Despite PTI’s repeated claims to be a peaceful party, CM Gandapur accused the government of oppressive actions against PTI supporters, including illegal detentions, violence against demonstrators, and restrictions on freedom of assembly.

He also claimed that the party had been consistently denied permission to hold peaceful rallies.

CM Gandapur reiterated that Imran Khan had always pledged that the party would uphold peace and non-violence in their protests.

However, he contended that the administration had consistently thwarted their attempts to peacefully express their demands.

The PTI had planned to hold a protest at Islamabad's D-Chowk, which they intended to keep peaceful, but Gandapur stated that the government had responded with force.

“The protest will continue as long as Imran Khan, the leader of our movement, he says and added "This is not just a political demonstration but a fight for our fundamental rights,” Gandapur said.

He further added that the movement will not end until Khan issues a call to cease it, no matter what challenges they face.

According to CM Gandapur, the PTI protest was not solely aimed at political victory but was part of the party’s larger struggle to ensure basic freedoms and uphold the dignity of Pakistani citizens.

He strongly criticised the government’s tactics, claiming that PTI workers had been subjected to brutal police violence, including deaths and injuries.

KP chief minister mentioned that the protests had been met with gunfire and that many PTI members had been severely injured or killed.

“We have been peaceful throughout this movement, but the government has met our peaceful protests with extreme measures,” CM Gandapur said.

“If we are not allowed to protest peacefully, we will continue our movement in other forms, but it will remain alive until the end of this struggle.”

He also expressed his gratitude and respect for PTI workers who had faced these hardships with unwavering resolve. “I salute our workers for their sacrifices. This is not just a struggle for today but for our children and the future of Pakistan,” CM Gandapur remarked.

CM Gandapur concluded by stressing that even though PTI had been subjected to violence, the spirit of the movement was unbroken.

“If the authorities use force against us, we will respond with peaceful resistance. But no matter what, the movement will continue, and it will persist until Imran Khan calls for its end,” CM Gandapur declared.

Life returns to normalcy in capital

Life in the capital began to return to normal on Wednesday after a grand operation to disperse Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters was completed.

After being closed for four days, all motorways have now been reopened, as confirmed by motorway authorities. The Islamabad-Lahore motorway (M-2) is once again open, providing relief to commuters.

- Reuters

- Reuters

In addition, the Lahore-Sialkot motorway has been restored, improving regional connectivity.

Motorways M-3, M-4, and M-5 have also resumed operations, allowing for smoother travel across multiple areas of the country.

Authorities also confirmed that business activities would resume immediately, and schools would reopen tomorrow. The city is now experiencing a calm atmosphere following the intense clashes that saw protesters clashing with police and military forces on the streets of the capital.

'PTI's final call was a missed call'

Speaking at around 2am, Wednesday, Akram said that a formal statement about the protest and overall situation would be issued soon. He added that the party was gathering information about the ground situation as several PTI workers had been shot at and injured during the operation.

At their media talk, Tarar said that the PTI had been dealt a severe blow. "PTI's final call was a missed call. The Protesters fled leaving behind their shoes, clothes and vehicles, Bushra Bibi and Amin Gandapur fled," he added.