Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, on Friday challenged the province’s Governor, Faisal Karim Kundi, to impose Governor’s Rule. He made the statement during a session of the provincial assembly, as the ruling coalition considers this option following the Islamabad march.
“If you have the courage, impose Governor’s Rule,” Gandapur said. He warned that his party could rally against the government if pushed further. “The nation knows about this theatrical drama,” he added, making it clear he was not afraid of confrontation.
This comes after media reports suggested that the federal government might impose Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The reason behind this move is linked to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s protest in Islamabad, which was aimed at securing the release of PTI leader Imran Khan and restoring democracy.
On November 24, thousands of PTI supporters marched towards Islamabad. They came from various cities, responding to Khan’s “final call.” The march, however, ended after three days. Despite facing roadblocks and disruptions to internet and phone services, the protesters reached Islamabad. Tragically, six people, including a police officer and three Rangers, lost their lives during the protests. Several others were injured.
The protest ended after authorities launched an operation to disperse the demonstrators. PTI claimed that the operation resulted in the deaths of 12 of their supporters.
During the assembly session, Gandapur also made a strong statement about his party’s resilience. He said, “We can fire back if needed.” His words hinted at the possibility of armed retaliation if they are provoked. He added, “Fear the day when we respond to bullets with bullets.” He also expressed frustration with those in power who, in his view, do not serve the people’s interests.
In a passionate declaration, Gandapur emphasized that the PTI would continue to protect the dignity of its founder, Imran Khan. “We don’t need slavery; we need freedom,” he said.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif responded to Gandapur’s challenge. He dismissed the threats as “theatrics,” saying there was no need to react to them. “No one from PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leadership attends his meetings,” Asif remarked on social media.
Asif also questioned Gandapur’s credibility. He referred to an incident in Blue Area, where Gandapur’s vehicle was allegedly attacked with shoes and sticks as he tried to escape. He used this to highlight Gandapur’s lack of confidence, pointing out that Gandapur had made three failed attempts to attack Islamabad.
Khawaja Asif also took a jab at Gandapur’s credibility, saying it was hard to decide who was a bigger fraud: Gandapur or Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife.
