Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Thursday said they did not see any sign of PTI founder and patron-in-chief Imran Khan being released from prison, adding that they reserved the right to protest and would defeat the current system with their strength.
He was speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail after meeting the former premier.
Terming the incumbent regime "fraud and deceit", the K-P chief minister said the current setup believed they can enslave the nation through the use of batons. "They should know that we will hit back with batons against batons, and bullets against bullets. If anyone shoots at me, those protecting me will shoot back," he declared.
Gandapur noted that the prospects of PTI's founder release seemed distant. "We don't see any sign that Khan sahib will be released. We reserve the right to protest, and we will defeat this system with our strength."
He accused the authorities of delaying the prosecution and described the judiciary as "no longer independent". "A prosecutor claimed last night that there would be a hearing today - this is all drama. The courts are not free," he said.
He announced that the upcoming K-P budget would be tax-free.
The chief minister also said that his meeting with the party's founder had been detailed, during which he instructed that K-P's development funds be spent on public welfare. "Previously, we used to give funds directly to members. Now we will require them to submit development schemes that will be scrutinised by a committee before funds are approved," he explained.
He warned that the National Finance Commission (NFC) share for the province was being delayed and the meeting had been pushed to August. "If that meeting is not held on time, we will decide on a course of action," he warned.
Gandapur criticised the treatment of Bushra Bibi, Imran's wife, who he said was under house arrest without even family visits being allowed. "Never before has anyone treated another person's wife in this manner."
He said PTI's movement would continue with patience and resilience, but that "if human rights are not respected in this country, we will come out on the streets".
He said "those who have taken over this country are destroying it".
The K-P chief minister also mentioned Imran's call for dialogue [with the establishment], noting that the PTI founder was still open to talks for the "sake of the country" ¬.
Gandapur maintained that the PTI founder also referenced Omar Ayub, saying he was the opposition leader.
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