MANSEHRA, Nov 27 (NNI): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday declared that the ongoing PTI sit-in is not an act of agitation but a movement, which will persist until Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan issues the final call.
The KP Chief Minister addressed a press conference and said PTI remains committed to peaceful protests, even in the face of severe repression.
“We are peacefully demanding our legitimate rights, but instead of being heard, we face repression,” said Gandapur. He expressed frustration over the lack of justice from the courts and the disregard for the sanctity of the parliament. “Whenever we talk about holding a meeting or protesting, we are not allowed,” he added.
“For two and a half years, our party has faced oppression, yet courts have not provided us relief. If a chief minister cannot get justice, what hope does a common citizen have?” he questioned.
Gandapur specifically pointed to the PTI’s recent attempts to hold peaceful protests, including the sit-in at D-Chowk in Islamabad, which he said had been met with violent suppression.
“Fascism was evident when the government first used force against our peaceful gathering,” he remarked, referring to the initial response to the sit-in. He reiterated that PTI’s protest would continue despite these challenges, noting that while the number of participants may fluctuate, the resolve to continue the sit-in remains strong.
The chief minister claimed that bullets were fired at peaceful protestors, leading to hundreds being injured, many killed, and thousands arrested.
Gandapur praised PTI workers for their resilience and announced a compensation package of Rs 10 million each for the families of deceased workers. He also stated that FIRs for violence against PTI workers would be filed under his name.
The chief minister emphasised that the movement is a fight for fundamental rights and freedom. “This province knows how to claim its rights and mandate. The people cannot be enslaved by force,” he declared.
Gandapur vowed to file a petition personally on behalf of PTI.
Earlier, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, stated that 954 protesters have been arrested over the past three days, with 610 arrested yesterday alone.
Addressing a press conference along with the chief commissioner Islamabad, the IGP reported the confiscation of over 200 vehicles and 39 various types of weapons, including Kalashnikovs, 12-bore guns, and other firearms during PTI protest.
“We have all the video evidence showing armed protesters advancing with masks on their faces,” he said.
IGP further disclosed that 52 out of 71 injured individuals were law enforcement personnel. “Protesters used large fans to blow tear gas fumes back towards our forces,” he explained.
Weapons were seized in large numbers from arrested protesters, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The IGP reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward acts of terrorism, stating, “We will not tolerate any terrorist activities under any circumstances.” NNI
