Tag: Ali Amin Gandapur

  • We can respond with weapons too: Gandapur warns in fiery speech

    We can respond with weapons too: Gandapur warns in fiery speech

    Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur gave yet another fiery speech in his first address to the KP Assembly after an unsuccessful party march towards Islamabad saying, “We have fire and ammunition and we can respond with weapons too,” the Premier of the province said. 

     

    PTI supporters on social media are angry and disappointed with party leaders for abandoning workers in D-Chowk when security forces started their crackdown on November 26.

     

    Around midnight, the media reported that Gandapur and Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi, escaped from the capital and went towards Peshawar.

     

    Since then, PTI has claimed that the security forces opened fire on the protestors leading to multiple fatalities – a claim the government denies.

     

     

    “Be wary of that day if we reply to fire with fire and to ammunition with ammunition; if we abandon peace slogans because we have weapons too. We can take our rights that way as well. Listen to this as well, we do not care about powerful chairs that you could scare us with the threat of Governor Raj. I challenge you to impose Governor Rule here and see if you can stay here,” he challenged.

     

    After Gandapur led the caravan from KP towards Peshawar for its “final call,” rumours quickly spread that the federal government was mulling imposing Governor’s rule in KP.

     

    Ali Amin Gandapur warned the federal government that PTI cannot be “intimidated” by such actions as tensions grow following the late-night crackdown against protesters in Islamabad.

     

    “Release Imran Khan as soon as possible or we will respond to bullets with bullets and then you will see what happens, and you will be responsible for whatever happens,” warned CM KP in his address to the provincial assembly. 

     

    The CM also addressed the soldiers of the Pakistan Army, saying, “You must see your children at home, what would their mother think if this happened to them? Allah bestows rizq to every human being, but what you have done for a job, you will not find peace in this world and in this world! Today I pray to Allah that you [soldiers] may find yourself in such pain and hurt that you become an example in history for Allah’s justice in the world who oppressed the people.”

     

    “Let it not happen that we start feeling comfort in killing you. Release Imran Khan, otherwise we have a meeting, prepare a strategy, if we don’t get rights, we will kill for them,” concluded Gandapur.

     

    Gandapur has been heavily criticised by party workers and followers for the perception that he is in touch with the establishment. Party followers tweeted and posted on other social media platforms against Gandapur, dismayed at him leaving party workers on D Chowk while he and Bushra Bibi got passage to safety.

  • PTI’s protest ongoing, will continue till Imran Khan calls it off: Gandapur

    PTI’s protest ongoing, will continue till Imran Khan calls it off: Gandapur

    Hour after fleeing from Islamabad to Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur has broken silence over the abrupt end to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) “decisive” protest in the federal capital, saying that the “sit-in will continue” until party founder Imran Khan calls it off.

     

    “This is not just a political demonstration but a fight for our fundamental rights,” CM Gandapur said while addressing party workers and media persons in Mansehra on Wednesday.

     

    PTI had on late Tuesday night called off its Islamabad sit-in “for the time being” after violent clashes with law enforcement.

     

    “In view of the government’s brutality and plan to turn the capital into a slaughterhouse for unarmed citizens, [we] announce the suspension of the peaceful protest for the time being,” PTI’s official X (formerly Twitter) account said in a press release on Wednesday morning.

     

    In his maiden public appearance following the developments, CM Gandapur accused the government of oppressive actions against PTI supporters and highlighted the “illegal detentions”, “uncalled for violence against peaceful demonstrators” and restrictions on freedom of assembly.

     

    He also claimed that hundreds of his party workers were killed during the grand clearance operation in Islamabad.

     

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar had, however, on Tuesday night said that “no bodies fell in the operation”. Government officials and ministers have also alleged that PTI protesters caused severe damage to public and government property in Islamabad.

     

    Addressing media persons, CM Gandapur also complained that whenever his party announced a rally or procession, they were denied permission. “Even the courts are not providing justice,” he said.

     

    “When we approach courts for justice, we don’t get justice, nor do we get the floor of the parliament that is against the sanctity of the House. Our only option to deliver our message is to protest if we are not allowed to hold public gatherings,” Gandapur added.

     

    He claimed that the government was involved in direct attacks on him and Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi during the protest, and called out the federal government by saying that they had “broken Pakistan once before” and were “doing so again”.

     

    “Our province knows how to secure its mandate, it knows how to claim its rights, and it knows how to protect its people.”

     

    The government had on Tuesday night launched a grand operation starting from D-Chowk in Islamabad to end PTI’s protest campaign. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Tarar at around 2 am addressed media persons to announce that the government had successfully quashed the demonstrations that continued for three days.

  • FACT CHECK: Did PTI workers stop Ali Amin Gandapur from ‘fleeing’ on Nov 24?

    FACT CHECK: Did PTI workers stop Ali Amin Gandapur from ‘fleeing’ on Nov 24?

    A video of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has circulated on social media, showing party followers surrounding him and preventing him from leaving.

     

    The video has been claimed to be from the November 24 PTI protests, but journalists assert it is old.

     

    In the video, Gandapur can be heard urging party workers to let him go to the rest area for ablution, pledging to return after offering prayers.

     

    PTI followers blocked Gandapur’s car, fearing that the KP CM might escape from the scene, as he had done during recent protests.

     

    Last month, Ali Amin Gandapur disappeared from KP House in Islamabad, leaving thousands of party workers behind, only to suddenly appear before the KP provincial assembly in the evening.

     

    “We will go, Adiala,” a party follower can be heard replying to Gandapur.

     

    The video quickly gained attention, with netizens trolling Gandapur, claiming he wanted to escape to KP again.

     

    However, the video is old, and many journalists have since apologised for sharing it.

     

    Journalist Waseem Abbasi corrected himself after sharing the old video clip, noting he had been informed that the video of Gandapur arguing with party workers was from a previous incident, and he deleted the post accordingly.

     

     

  • Army chief praises Ali Amin Gandapur for ‘cooperation on national issues’

    Army chief praises Ali Amin Gandapur for ‘cooperation on national issues’

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has praised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur for his collaboration on issues of national importance, a private media outlet reported.

     

    As per the details, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, earlier this week, chaired a meeting of the Apex Committee that was attended by all provincial chief executives, prominent federal ministers and services as well as intelligence chiefs, including the director general (DG) of Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI).

     

    Reports quoted a source close to CM Gandapur as saying that COAS Gen Asim, during the meeting, appreciated the KP chief executive for his cooperation on various issues such as security and International Monetary Fund (IMF) negotiations.

     

    As the meeting continued, CM Gandapur highlighted the issue of PTI founder Imran Khan’s incarceration and demanded his release from jail.

     

    “We want the release of our leader from jail,” he said, noting that Khan had been behind bars for over a year “without committing any crime”.

     

    The KP CM also reminded the participants that during PTI’s reign, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif was allowed to seek treatment in London despite his conviction in Pakistan.

     

    It may be noted that previously, former PM Imran was on August 5, 2023, arrested from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case and has since been in jail on multiple charges.

     

    While his sentence was suspended by a court later, the PTI founder continues to remain in jail over his alleged involvement in several other cases pertaining to corruption, misappropriation of funds and inciting masses against state institutions.

     

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday approved his bail in a second Toshakhana case; however, Khan was not released and re-arrested in jail for allegedly inciting party workers to clash with law enforcement in September this year.

     

    An anti-terrorism court has approved a five-day physical remand of the former PTI chief in the case. Under this order, an investigation officer will interrogate Khan at Adiala Jail.

     

    As the remand was granted, Khan’s cell within the prison was formally designated as a police station for the duration of the custody period. He will remain under New Town police jurisdiction while in custody.

     

    According to court orders, Khan is to be presented before the court on November 26, when further steps in the investigation will be determined based on any new evidence collected.

  • Did KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur just announce a ‘bloody revolution’?

    Did KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur just announce a ‘bloody revolution’?

    A video showing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur addressing a charged crowd has gone viral, sparking concerns over his words hinting at a bloody revolution.

    “This time before we leave, we will tell our families that if we do not return, perform our funeral prayers,” Gandapur said while speaking at a ceremony in KP.

    “We have understood that here, one does not get their rights through decency, respect, or according to the law […] the blood within us is red, the colour that symbolises a revolution. When the colour of blood is red… it tells us that problems won’t be solved without bringing a revolution,” he warned, adding that the time for a “decisive battle” had arrived.

    CM Gandapur further said that when people asked for their rights as per the Constitution, they were thrown into jail and subjected to oppression or fake FIRs [First Information Reports] were filed against them.

    The KP CM also announced the restoration of student unions in the province, saying, “We will provide full opportunities for students to emerge through student unions, which could enable them to raise their voices.”

    Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by CM Gandapur, recorded at least two major protests at Islamabad’s D Chowk. Another massive protest rally was held in Lahore as well.

    The demonstration was against the ruling coalition’s proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment and sought the release of PTI founder Imran Khan from jail.

  • What are the terms of alleged ‘deal’ for Bushra Bibi’s release? Ansar Abbasi reveals details

    What are the terms of alleged ‘deal’ for Bushra Bibi’s release? Ansar Abbasi reveals details

    After Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi was released from Adiala Jail last week, social media is abuzz about an alleged deal between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the establishment, a claim that the party consistently denies.

    Journalist Ansar Abbasi, in his latest column, wrote that if the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur “is telling his colleagues and party leaders that he has played a role in getting Bushra Bibi released from jail,” then questions will naturally arise.

    Abbasi also stated that after speaking to Gandapur about the possibility of any alleged deal, the CM “avoided the topic.”

    However, KP government spokesperson Barrister Saif confirmed to Abbasi that Gandapur had indeed discussed his role in Bushra Bibi’s release.

    According to Ansar, PTI’s style and politics in the coming days will reveal whether the alleged deal was really struck for getting Khan’s spouse released.

    “Last week, I was told by the establishment that Bushra Bibi would not be re-arrested if the Islamabad High Court decided to release her on bail. A senior PTI leader also told me that Gandapur was told earlier that Bushra Bibi would not be re-arrested if she was granted bail by the courts,” revealed the senior journalist.

    According to Ansar, no concrete evidence exists of any deal; however, he also wrote about the nature of a possible deal, if any.

    “When I asked Gandapur Sahib yesterday whether Tehreek-e-Insaf will continue to target the army and the army chief, his answer was that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is neither against the institution nor against any individual,” wrote Abbasi.

    According to Abbasi’s analysis, “It could be that Tehreek-e-Insaaf will not directly criticize the Army Chief and the economy of Pakistan.”

    Ansar stated that this will be revealed in the coming days because if PTI doesn’t criticise the Army or the economy, then it would mean that the PTI “has made a fundamental change in its policy which aims to avoid a direct fight with the army.”

    If the party continues its policy of targeting the military or the COAS like the last two years, then it would mean there is no deal, according to Asar Abbasi.

    Ansar wrote, “It is a known fact that the economy is the government’s as well as Army Chief’s first priority, and that is why the condition of not politicizing the economy would be put for Bushra Bibi’s release.”

  • ‘Baal aisay hain jaisay TTP k representatives ho’: Fawad hits out at PTI leadership

    ‘Baal aisay hain jaisay TTP k representatives ho’: Fawad hits out at PTI leadership

    Former Information and Broadcasting Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain’s never ending feud with members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues.

    Speaking to journalists on Monday, Fawad Hussain, while taking a jab at Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur without naming him, said, “They have kept their long hair as if they are Fitna al Khawarij (formerly Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) representatives.”

    The former Information and Broadcasting Minister stated that Pakistan’s jails had been filled with PTI followers, and party workers suffered because of the party leadership’s inability and lack of strategy for organising planned protests in the past.

    He further claimed, “PTI leadership woke up early in the morning, consumed coffee, applied gel in their hair and called a protest; when workers reached the venue, leadership changed the venue and protest timing.”

    “PTI leadership ka na sar hai na paer hai, hamain dhakko ma lagwaya huwa hai,” Fawad added.

    Criticising Barrister Saif, Information Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Hussain claimed that Saif is doing nothing but work from home and questioned Saif’s past statement about why Aleema Khan and former first lady Bushra Bibi should not lead the party in the absence of founder PTI Imran Khan.

    Earlier, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain had also criticised advocate Salman Akram Raja, accusing him of formulating a fake money trail for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2017, adding, “Those who facilitated the hiding of Nawaz Sharif’s multi-billion assets in Panama have now been imposed on Tehreek-e-Insaaf.”

    Moreover, Fawad also shared the Dawn News previous report titled “Sharif family expresses full confidence on legal team. He wrote, “Politics ma raastay judaa hu saktay hain laiken jab ap jurram chupanay main madadgar hu aur Pakistan kay billions kay assets halaal karwa dain, kiya aap ko muaaf kiya jana chahiye.”

  • Next target is Shehbaz Sharif’s bedroom if Khan allows: Ali Amin Gandapur

    Next target is Shehbaz Sharif’s bedroom if Khan allows: Ali Amin Gandapur

    Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur addressed lawmakers in the KP Assembly yesterday, claiming, “If Imran Khan allows, we will reach Shehbaz Sharif’s bedroom next time.”

    Gandapur has recently come under fire from his party members and supporters for his mysterious role in last week’s PTI rally when he disappeared on October 5 in Islamabad, only to resurface in the KP Assembly a day later.

    “However, Imran Khan has ordered us to remain peaceful and follow the law, and we proved that last week in our protest,” said Gandapur told the KP Assembly.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Talal Chaudhry, while speaking on Geo News, stated: “This isn’t a Bani Gala bedroom where anyone can enter and exit. We know how to protect our state institutions, our leaders and most of all our country.”

  • PTI supporters are furious at Ali Amin Gandapur

    PTI supporters are furious at Ali Amin Gandapur

    The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, surprised everyone, including his party supporters, by making a sudden appearance on October 6 in the KP Assembly after he went incommunicado the previous day in Islamabad.

    PTI supporters on social media are enraged at party leaders, including Gandapur, for allegedly abandoning protestors on the streets.

    Gandapur was welcomed by a cheering crowd of MPAs and went on to narrate a mysterious tale.

    According to YouTuber Imran Riaz, Gandapur told him, “I hid in the KP House when the Rangers and Police attacked the building. A man (official) guided me to hide on the roof of a police vehicle, upon which I stayed for several hours.”

    Gandapur further told Riaz, “The man came again and told me to change location because another search operation would take place, so he instructed me to hide on another police vehicle’s roof, which was higher. It was nighttime by now.”

    “After the rain came to an end, I changed my clothes and started trekking through Trail 3 on Margalla Hills and reached Monal. I crossed over Margalla Hill, where the KP region begins, and stopped a car for a lift,” Gandapur told Riaz.

    According to Riaz, Ali Amin Gandapur travelled in a car from Haripur to Abbottabad, then towards Shangla to Swat Motorway and then crossing Mardan, he reached Kernel Sher Khan Interchange and went, despite all odds, to Peshawar.

    He then reached the KP Assembly, where he delivered his speech, but the majority of PTI supporters remained unconvinced and angry.

    One PTI supporter took to X, formerly Twitter, to write: “If all the TV channels are covering Ali Amin Ganapur’s speech right now, then it is evidence enough that He isn’t speaking for the general public but for the Generals instead!”

  • Found: Gandapur is back

    Found: Gandapur is back

    Update:

    Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur surprised everyone with his sudden appearance in the KP Assembly tonight, claiming: “After passing through 12 districts, I have reached here. I was alone, I didn’t have a single rupee in my pocket. Later, two other people joined me.”

    Gandapur also stated, “I am not just Ali Amin but the representative of an entire province. There are many threats against me and if something happened to me, who’d be responsible?”

    Previous:

    After a 24 hour ‘disappearance’ Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur resurfaced in the provincial assembly. He came in wearing a blue shalwar kameez and scarf around his shoulders.

    A little while before Gandapur resurfaced, PTI leader Asad Qaiser accused the government of “abducting” Gandapur from KP House in Islamabad, warning that if the CM did not return in 24 hours, PTI will take to the streets again.

    The KP Assembly called an emergency session today which was supposed to take place at 2pm today, but was delayed due to Gandapur’s uncertain whereabouts.

    A heavy contingent of Rangers and federal police entered KP House today in Islamabad to arrest CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur after he mysteriously made his way to the building instead of D Chowk.

    There has been significant confusion about the reports of the alleged arrest of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur with PTI leaders claiming he has been arrested.

    Meanwhile, footage on social media is being shared that shows Rangers using tear gas inside the KP House as the PTI convoy led by Gandapur reached there today.

    Opposition leader Omer Ayub Khan has claimed that Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur has been illegally arrested from Islamabad KP house.

    He said that Rangers and federal capital police had violated the KP house premises.

    Meanwhile, KP Information Advisor Barrister Saif, on his X (formerly Twitter) account has claimed that Ali Amin Gandapur has not been formally arrested and is currently out on bail until October 25. added, “If the chief minister is arrested, it would be a clear violation of the court’s orders and an insult to the people’s mandate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

    He further said, “We are trying to verify the situation ourselves, but no one is responding.”

    PTI had announced a protest in Islamabad’s D-Chowk for October 4 as the government barricaded the twin cities with containers and suspended cellular networks.

    There have also been reports of clashes between PTI protestors and the police. At the same time, the federal government also implemented Article 245, which calls for the armed forces to aid the civilian government in maintaining peace.