PTI in fresh bid for Khan's release

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has called on Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to resolve the issue of the incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan's detention.

"You need to solve Imran Khan's issue. The 250 million people of this country are your army," he said while addressing a large party rally in Peshawar on Saturday.

Gandapur described the PTI chief's struggle as a "war for true freedom", urging the judiciary to deliver decisions in accordance with law and constitution.

"Upholding the Constitution is a duty for everyone in this country. We have raised our voice for the Constitution, and we will continue to do so. The highest number of human rights violations have occurred here," he added.

He also highlighted PTI's stance during previous tensions with India, noting that "the entire nation stood united, and we respected the institutions at the time".

He reiterated that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government does not support any military operation, stressing that "operations are not a solution to these problems".

The rally, held at Ring Road in Peshawar, saw participation from PTI leaders, including central figures Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Gohar, Junaid Akbar, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram, Usman Dar, Rehana Dar and Sindh provincial leader Haleem Adil Sheikh, among others.

PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar, speaking at the event, said K-P was PTI's before and still was. "We will cut off the hands of those who speak against the PTI founder. Those who said the founder's name would not be mentioned - we will drag them. Those who sit on the seats of power, we will account for every single drop of their blood. I spit on their FIRs," he said.

"To the chief justice who is taking protocol, we say we will not fear you anymore. Whoever is not loyal to Khan, I will make life unbearable for them. Don't become this country's 'mama chacha' [self-styled rulers]," he said.

"We will not accept any operation under any circumstances. Bring the corps commander who conducted the negotiations. Our issue is not with the institutions, but with individuals who need to be corrected. Those negotiating with terrorists must be held accountable," he said, regarding the military operation.

Similarly, Salman Akram Raja added that the PTI categorically rejects any military operation. "No operation should take place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. I met the founder three days ago in jail … he said he will never bow down. Today, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is drenched in blood, and Balochistan is also suffering."

Former NA speaker Asad Qaiser said that the PTI does not want any operation in the province. "We are tired of wars. We support improving relations with Afghanistan. We hope Ali Amin will raise this issue with the federal government."

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar reiterated that the February 8 election "was stolen". "The whole world knows that 200 million people want 'prisoner number 804'. Securing justice has become extremely difficult. We will go to the last mile for the PTI founder's release. Obtaining justice is our constitutional and state right."

The rally also witnessed organisational challenges. Young male PTI workers reportedly entered the women's section, prompting police to intervene.

In response, many women activists left the venue before the central leaders' addresses. Around 800 police and traffic personnel were deployed to maintain security.

The rally caused partial closure of the Ring Road and the motorway, leading to traffic disruptions. Many participants, including party leaders, had to walk up to two kilometres to reach the venue due to parked vehicles along the motorway.