Imran Khan remains at the center of escalating tensions in Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a stark warning on Tuesday. He threatened that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would shut down the entire country if Khan faced any mistreatment in Adiala Jail.
Gandapur’s remarks came after protests by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan. She voiced concerns over the lack of proper facilities for her brother, including reports of unhygienic food that allegedly caused him to vomit. She also mentioned the disconnection of power to Khan’s cell since October 3.
“The federal and Punjab governments have adopted the worst attitude towards the PTI founder,” Gandapur stated in a video posted on PTI’s official X account. He emphasized the harsh conditions Khan is enduring, particularly the restrictions on his meetings with family and party members.
Gandapur urged the nation to prepare for action, declaring, “The government’s days are numbered.” He insisted that they must rid the country of the current government by orchestrating a nationwide shutdown to reclaim what he described as a stolen mandate. He warned that the party’s next move after D-Chowk would leave the government with no escape route.
In the video, Gandapur also addressed party defectors following the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. “Those who betrayed Imran Khan, whether for money or out of cowardice, will go down in history as traitors,” he declared. He vowed there would be no exceptions for those who turned against Khan.
Gandapur has been a vocal figure in the party’s protests, taking a confrontational stance towards the federal government due to Khan’s ongoing imprisonment. However, some PTI leaders worry that his aggressive approach could lead to governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A PTI lawmaker, Sher Afzal Marwat, expressed concerns, warning that their actions might provide reasons for the opposition to dismantle the provincial government.
Despite ongoing protests, the party has continued to voice worries over Imran Khan’s health. Earlier this month, PTI Chairman Gohar Khan reassured supporters of Khan’s “good health” after a medical team from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences visited him in jail.
