Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has strongly condemned being denied a scheduled meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan, despite his name being on the official visitors' list.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Gandapur described the move as illegal and unconstitutional, warning of political retaliation if such actions persist.
"The Punjab Police stopped me without any written order. This is a clear violation of the law and the Constitution," he said. "If a chief minister cannot receive justice, how can ordinary citizens expect fairness in this system?"
Gandapur criticized the federal government's approach, accusing it of mobilizing the entire police force to prevent his meeting with the imprisoned PTI leader. "While the country faces external threats, the government seems more concerned about blocking my access to the party leader," he remarked.
He also issued a stern warning to Punjab's political leadership. "If this is how Punjab treats an elected chief minister, then no federal minister or MNA will be allowed to enter Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa."
He further noted that the Punjab Chief Minister owns a residence in Nathia Gali, suggesting that if reciprocal respect is not maintained, consequences could follow.
Gandapur emphasized the importance of his meeting with the PTI founder, citing ongoing political and administrative consultations. He revealed that he had been trying to secure a meeting for four weeks but was repeatedly denied.
"The courts must uphold their authority. If the judiciary cannot ensure justice, where are we supposed to turn?" he questioned. "We protest when we are denied our rights, but in return, we face false cases and no bail."
In his concluding remarks, Gandapur reiterated his stance: "Justice must be accessible to all. If an elected chief minister is treated this way, what hope remains for the common man?"
Meanwhile, Gandapur, has strongly condemned India's unprovoked aggression against Pakistan and the drone strikes in various Pakistani cities, calling the actions "highly provocative and unacceptable."
In a strongly worded statement, the chief minister praised the vigilance and preparedness of Pakistan's security forces, stating that they are fully capable and alert to respond decisively to any hostile act by the enemy.
"Our forces are always ready to crush any aggression and thwart the nefarious designs of our adversaries," he said.
CM Gandapur paid tribute to the security personnel for successfully intercepting and downing the hostile drones, terming it a remarkable achievement.
"The brave sons of our soil deserve the highest praise for their swift and effective response," he added.
He further denounced the Indian government's attempts to target civilian areas in Pakistan over the past two days, labeling it a shameful and grave violation of international law.
"The fascist Modi regime must cease its unwarranted hostilities against Pakistan or be prepared to face the consequences," Gandapur warned.
He emphasized that India's aggressive posture is not only a threat to regional peace but also endangers the lives of its own citizens.
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