PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reportedly reached Peshawar after being “missing” for several hours amidst a crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders. The crackdown follows alleged violations of the law related to a recent PTI rally in Islamabad.
The development was confirmed by PTI MNA Shahid Khattak, who mentioned that Gandapur was busy with various meetings in the federal capital following the party’s power show. The party maintained that Gandapur held a prolonged meeting with government officials regarding the province’s law and order situation. Due to mobile phone jammers at the meeting location, he was unreachable for a significant period.
Concerns Over Possible Arrest
PTI had raised alarms about the potential arrest of the chief minister after he was uncontactable for over eight hours. The concerns were voiced by KP CM’s Adviser on Information, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, who speculated that the federal government might have detained Gandapur. Saif urged the Centre to disclose Gandapur’s whereabouts, emphasizing the unusual nature of the situation.
Crackdown on PTI Leadership
The crackdown, ordered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has led to the arrest of several PTI leaders under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat, and others were arrested outside Parliament House. Other arrested leaders include Zain Qureshi, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Naseem-ur-Rehman, Zubair Khan, Shoaib Shaheen, and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza.
Police have filed cases against multiple PTI leaders under the newly-enacted law, with reports indicating that PTI workers attacked police teams with batons and stones during the Islamabad rally. At least 28 local leaders, including Seemabia Tahir and Raja Basharat, were named in these cases.
Political Rallies and Democratic Struggle
Speaking on Geo News’ program “Geo Pakistan,” Barrister Saif confirmed that contact with Gandapur was reestablished late at night, although detailed discussions were not possible. Addressing the crackdown, Saif noted that while the PTI rally was scheduled for September 8, arrests began on September 7. He alleged that the Punjab and federal governments had initiated an operation to thwart the rally.
Saif defended the PTI’s right to hold political rallies, asserting that their struggle is democratic and includes public gatherings, meetings, processions, and demonstrations. He accused the government of undermining the PTI’s efforts to obtain the necessary no objection certificate (NOC) for the rally.
Offensive Remarks and Apologies
Addressing criticism of Gandapur’s speech at the Islamabad rally, Saif admitted that some remarks were offensive. He acknowledged that while the speech contributed to an atmosphere of bitterness, the reaction to it had been exaggerated. Saif emphasized that democratic rights must be respected and that emotional speeches are a natural part of political gatherings.
“People learn from experience,” Saif remarked. “If democratic rights are not given, then speeches in meetings are delivered in an emotional manner. A leader does not bring out the emotions; workers themselves are emotionally charged.” He highlighted that legal avenues exist to address any offensive remarks, such as defamation laws, rather than immediately detaining MNAs.
PTI’s Stance and Future Actions
The PTI has announced plans for further political activities, including a meeting in Lahore. Saif warned that the government would be responsible for any deterioration in the situation if the PTI is not allowed to exercise its constitutional and democratic rights to hold rallies. He reiterated that the PTI’s intentions are to improve the situation rather than worsen it, urging for a peaceful resolution to the current tensions.
