Atif Khan backs CM, slams NA speaker

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Peshawar Region President Atif Khan has acknowledged having differences with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, clarifying that these are not personal but issue-based.

He reaffirmed his commitment to stand by the Chief Minister for the release of PTI's founding chairman, saying, "Wherever needed, I will stand with the Chief Minister to ensure our leader's freedom."

Speaking to the media after a court appearance at the Peshawar High Court, Atif Khan said that if National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq cannot restore the authority and dignity of Parliament, he should resign. "The country is on the brink of collapse, yet ministers are presenting rosy pictures. This system cannot continue like this," he warned.

He emphasized the need for all political leaders to come to the table for national dialogue. "Only collective dialogue can move the country forward," he said.

Commenting on the judiciary, he stated, "We came to court expecting justice. But if people cannot get justice from the courts, where else should they go? What's happening in the country right now is bizarre. When we get relief in one case, we are booked in a new one the very next day, and fresh warrants are issued."

He alleged that the government and certain institutions are attempting to crush PTI. "We will neither bow down nor will our leader. They can do whatever they want, but they cannot break our party or our leadership," he said.

Regarding the party's protest on August 5, Atif Khan said demonstrations were held across K-P as announced by the founding chairman. "Chief Minister Gandapur also protested according to the pre-agreed plan, but the Governor's recent statements criticizing him are puzzling. We are fully prepared for future protests. Wherever the party leadership calls us, we will protest," he asserted.

He further revealed that several MNAs were summoned by the party founder to Adiala Jail on August 5, but the National Assembly gates were locked after the session to prevent them from leaving. "We have repeatedly urged Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to uphold the dignity and authority of Parliament, but he has failed completely either due to pressure from his party or unseen forces. If he can't do his job, he should step down."

Atif Khan criticized the treatment of PTI lawmakers, saying they were arrested and dragged like criminals. "This system is unsustainable. The way the government is running the country will only lead to destruction.