- KP CM vows not to support ‘any operation no displacement,’ pressing federal govt to resolve terrorism challenges through dialogue with Kabul
- PTI rally in Peshawar reaffirms party’s stance on Imran Khan’s release and judicial justice
- Leaders accuse centre of neglecting flood victims, contrast Punjab with KP’s relief response
- Heavy police deployment ensures security as PTI continues its campaign against ‘oppression’
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday reiterated that his provincial government would not support any fresh military operation or displacement of local populations, calling instead for the federal institutions to resolve terrorism-related challenges through dialogue with Afghanistan.
Addressing a large Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) rally in Peshawar, Gandapur delivered a strongly worded speech in which he accused the federal government of ignoring the voice of the people of KP. “We will not allow any operation and do not support it … Federal government, listen carefully. The KP government does not support operation or displacement. We don’t want war and we will raise our voice against it,” he said.
The CM emphasized that peace in the region could not be secured through force alone and urged Islamabad to adopt a diplomatic approach. He pointed to the deep cultural, social, and economic ties between KP and Afghanistan, stressing that dialogue was the only sustainable path forward.
Shifting positions on operations
Gandapur’s comments came in the wake of earlier mixed positions. In July, he said in a video message that the armed forces were present in KP at the request of the provincial government and should be treated as “guests” with respect. However, following a PTI parliamentary meeting the next day, he criticized military offensives in Bajaur, alleging that civilians had been martyred in operations that undermined public trust.
More recently, he said drone strikes and aerial action against terrorists were within the constitutional rights of the armed forces — a statement that appeared to soften his earlier opposition to military engagement. Saturday’s rally marked a return to a harder line, reflecting PTI’s broader political narrative against large-scale operations.
Call for justice, appeal to army chief
Alongside his anti-operation stance, Gandapur demanded that the judiciary dispense justice without delay, particularly in cases concerning PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife. “Deliver justice to Imran Khan, his wife and the people,” he urged, calling it the judiciary’s constitutional responsibility.
He also addressed Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir directly, saying: “It is obligatory on you to play your role and sort out Imran’s issue” just as Khan had stood by the armed forces during the May conflict with India.
The CM vowed that PTI’s struggle for “Haqeeqi Azadi” would continue until its objectives were achieved.
Rally highlights PTI unity
The Peshawar rally brought together PTI leaders, workers, and supporters from across the country. Party organizers said it was the eighth major public gathering since the February 8 general elections and part of a continued campaign to highlight what they call electoral injustices.
The rally also featured a video message of Imran Khan, though the clip appeared to be from a previous event. PTI Senator Faisal Javed introduced the segment, telling the crowd that Khan would “speak to them on the screen.”
Senior PTI leaders delivered impassioned speeches. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan lauded workers for “standing firm with Pakistan” during Khan’s imprisonment, while former minister Azam Swati declared that the party would endure “every cruelty and barbarity” until Khan’s release.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram accused the federal and Punjab governments of neglecting flood victims, contrasting it with KP’s response. “We disbursed billions to flood victims and rehabilitation has started. In Punjab, Maryam Nawaz has not even completed the initial survey. She is chasing photo-ops,” he claimed.
System of “oppression” must end, leaders say
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja recounted his recent meeting with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, quoting him as saying he would never bend before hardship. Raja condemned what he called “false punishments by military tribunals” against PTI leaders and activists, insisting the party’s struggle would continue until the system of “oppression” was dismantled.
Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser echoed Gandapur’s line, asserting: “We will not allow military operations in our province under any circumstances. We are tired of wars; we will not be a part of one.” He urged the federal government to resolve disputes with Afghanistan through jirgas and diplomacy.
Qaiser highlighted the economic angle, saying KP’s prosperity depended on peaceful regional trade ties. “If this country is going to progress, it needs to establish trade relations with regional nations. We appreciate the Saudi pact, but real growth will come from peace and commerce in our neighborhood,” he remarked.
Rally arrangements and security
According to police, strict security arrangements were made for the rally. A statement from Peshawar Capital City Police Officer Mian Saeed Ahmed said 1,451 police personnel were deployed, with snipers positioned on rooftops around the venue. Another 508 traffic officials were tasked with managing routes and ensuring smooth flow.
PTI leaders, including Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and provincial president Junaid Akbar, visited the site earlier to review preparations. The party also relied heavily on social media to broadcast the event after television channels declined to air it.
Ahead of the gathering, PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja had announced that the rally would raise a strong voice across the country against “lawlessness, constitutional violations and restrictions on freedom of speech.”
The rally concluded with speeches stressing unity, resilience, and PTI’s central demand: the release of Imran Khan and the restoration of what they described as the party’s stolen mandate.
