KP Chief Minister Warns Against Governor’s Rule Amid Crackdown on PTI Protesters

As speculation grows about the potential imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a stern warning to the federal government, asserting that such measures would not deter the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from its objectives. Addressing journalists outside the KP Assembly in Peshawar, Gandapur declared, “Imposition of governor’s rule or emergency cannot hold us back.”

The chief minister has been at the forefront of PTI protests demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other “political prisoners.” The demonstrations, which have caused significant unrest in Islamabad and nearby areas, have drawn sharp criticism from the ruling coalition for allegedly misusing state machinery.

Speaking to the media, Gandapur reaffirmed the party’s commitment to PTI’s ideology, daring the federal government to impose governor’s rule. On the KP Assembly floor, he condemned the use of force against what he described as “peaceful” protesters. Referring to incidents during the late-night crackdown in Islamabad, Gandapur alleged that PTI demonstrators were fired upon at multiple locations, including Chungi No. 26, China Chowk, and D-Chowk.

He accused the authorities of targeting the protesters and called for a “revolution to save our generations.” Demanding the “immediate” release of PTI founder Imran Khan, Gandapur insisted the protests would continue until their demands were met.

The crackdown, which took place in Islamabad’s D-Chowk, resulted in the arrest of nearly 1,000 PTI workers, according to party claims. PTI alleged that hundreds of protesters were shot, with reported fatalities ranging between eight and 40. The federal government, however, has categorically denied these allegations, insisting that no direct firing occurred and that there were no fatalities during the operation to disperse the marchers.

The escalating tensions underscore the deepening political crisis, with PTI supporters vowing to intensify their demonstrations in the face of mounting state action.