“Kanpen Tang Rahi Hain”: KP CM Gandapur Mocks Government Ahead of PTI’s “Do-or-Die” Protest

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Friday lashed out at the federal and Punjab governments for imposing restrictions, including the closure of motorways and the enforcement of Section 144, ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) much-anticipated “do-or-die” protest.

His remarks followed an announcement by the Motorway Police that five motorways, including M-I and M-II, would be closed for “repair work” from 8 pm on Friday. The measures come in response to PTI’s call for nationwide protests scheduled for November 24.

“Kanpen Tang Rahi Hain” – Gandapur Mocks Restrictions

Reacting to the measures, Gandapur said:
“Imposing Section 144 and closing hotels in Punjab shows their legs are trembling. The government’s panic has blocked the entire country, inadvertently making our protest a success.”

The PTI leader assured supporters that the protest would remain peaceful, accusing the federal government of inconveniencing citizens with unnecessary restrictions. He claimed the PTI’s protest call had thrown the government into chaos, likening it to a prisoner controlling the nation’s rulers.

Government’s Countermeasures

Public gatherings remain banned in Islamabad for two months, while Rawalpindi has imposed similar restrictions until November 26. Punjab announced a three-day ban on public assemblies under Section 144 starting Saturday. Additionally, the provincial home department has deployed Pakistan Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Jhelum to maintain order.

Federal and Punjab authorities have also closed key routes leading to Islamabad, including highways and motorways, in a bid to prevent the PTI protestors from reaching the capital.

Rana Sanaullah’s Retort

Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah dismissed PTI’s plans, describing their protest call as a “missed call.” Mocking PTI’s organizational efforts, he said:
“Let them try booking five buses from any district in Punjab. How will they even bring people to the streets?”

Background of the Protest

The protests follow PTI founder Imran Khan’s “final call” to supporters to march to Islamabad. The former prime minister, who has been imprisoned since August last year, urged action against alleged election rigging, the arrest of party workers, and the controversial passage of the 26th Amendment.

As tensions rise, both the government and PTI brace for a contentious showdown, with the nation closely watching how events unfold this Sunday.