PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has defended his speech at a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Islamabad and rejected calls for an apology. Gandapur clarified that his absence following the rally was not due to forced detention but was a result of attending a mandatory meeting with government officials.
During a meeting with members of his parliamentary party in Peshawar on Tuesday, Gandapur addressed concerns about his extended absence. He explained, “I had an official meeting with authorities, so I had to stay overnight. There was no force involved.” Gandapur also noted that communication issues caused by jammers contributed to the confusion and concern among his family and colleagues.
Gandapur stood by his remarks made at the Sangjani rally, stating, “I stand by my words. I will neither retract nor apologise.” He emphasized that PTI founder Imran Khan supports his stance, asserting, “Anyone opposing it can do so.” His position was supported by parliamentary members, who endorsed his hardline approach and decided to adopt a more assertive stance in future rallies.
The closed-door meeting at the Chief Minister’s House also outlined a strategy for upcoming rallies across the country, with plans to intensify their political messaging. Five to seven members were designated to deliver strong speeches in future assembly sessions to convey their stance.
Earlier, Gandapur’s prolonged absence sparked concern, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Adviser on Information, Barrister Saif, issuing a statement expressing worry over Gandapur’s uncontactable status and switched-off phone. Speculation about Gandapur’s possible arrest emerged following an FIR filed at Sangjani Police Station, accusing him and his team of unlawfully detaining a district official who had warned them about exceeding the rally’s time limit.
Gandapur faced criticism for aggressive comments against journalists during the PTI rally, which drew condemnation from several federal ministers and senators. Despite this, Gandapur remained defiant, announcing plans to hold another rally in Lahore if PTI founder Imran Khan is not legally released within the next two weeks.
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