A day after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in the federal capital ended following a government operation at D-Chowk, which reportedly forced senior party leaders to flee, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday resurfaced in Mansehra, declaring the sit-in a "movement" that "will continue until further orders from party founder Imran Khan".
The K-P chief minister made these remarks while addressing a news conference at the residence of provincial assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati in Mansehra.
The PTI, demanding a series of measures, including the release of its founder Imran Khanwho has been in jail since August 2023 facing multiple casesand the resignation of the current government, launched a protest march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday. The rally ended late Tuesday night following a government operation against the party's protesters in Islamabad.
"We are a peaceful party advocating for the rule of law, constitutional protection, true freedom, and democracy. Unfortunately, for the past two and a half years, our party has faced immense oppression and injustice," Gandapur said.
He noted that false cases were registered against PTI members, their mandate was stolen and their leader (Imran Khan) was wrongfully imprisoned. He claimed that his party voters were subjected to violence. "When we demand our constitutional rights, we are denied the freedom to protest peacefully."
Criticizing the government's operation against PTI protesters, the K-P chief minister maintained that a "cruel precedent" had been set in the country, the "likes of which are unparalleled in history".
"When we go to the courts, we do not receive justice. Our only choice is to protest ourselves when permission for rallies is denied."
Gandapur emphasized that the sit-in was under the "authority of PTI founder" and "is still ongoing".
"This call [for sit-in] was given by the PTI founder, who said the sit-in would continue until he calls it off. I want to make it clear to the entire nation that our sit-in is still ongoing," he said.
Describing the sit-in as a movement, Gandapur stated that the presence of public was not necessary for it.
He stated that hundreds of protesters were shot and thousands arrested during the protest, adding that data on those martyred and detained was currently being compiled.
Police had earlier said no lethal arms were used in Tuesday night's operation and that hundreds of protesters had been arrested.
"We were peacefully protesting. Why were bullets fired at us? This is the question we must ask," Gandapur said.
He added that despite such acts, PTI considered law enforcement personnel as their own.
He recalled that earlier when the PTI had planned a rally in Islamabad, they were met with violence.
Lauding the commitment of party workers, the K-P chief minister stated that "this fight was for future generations". "Today, PTI founder is in jail for us. He is rendering sacrifices for our true freedom."
Ganadpur questioned the state of justice in the country, saying that if a chief minister cannot get justice in the country, it raises concerns about the rights of common people.
He said the party stood with the families of arrested workers and pledged to ensure their release.
Speaking alongside Gandapur, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan said there was "an attack with a murderous intent" on Gandapur and Bushra Bibi at D-Chowk, where they were leading their convoy.
"We are a democratic and peaceful party. We were shot at, which I gravely condemn," the MNA said.
The opposition leader stated that four of their associates were abducted, and their vehicles were damaged.
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