On Saturday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) officially launched its anti-government campaign, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur arriving in Lahore to spearhead the movement.
Speaking at a key consultative session held at a farmhouse in Raiwind, Gandapur highlighted the historical significance of Lahore in shaping political movements and emphasized the need to escalate the campaign by August 5.
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“We will take practical steps after thorough consultations,” Gandapur stated, adding, “We must consider how to reach the peak of our movement by August 5.” His remarks follow directives from imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan, who instructed party members to intensify the protest on the date marking his two-year incarceration.
Responding to criticism from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding PTI’s governance in KP, Gandapur claimed that only one MNA and two MPAs from JUI-F were elected on merit, while the rest secured victories through alleged manipulation of Form 47. He accused Maulana Fazl of holding a “fake mandate” and questioned his legitimacy to comment on PTI’s affairs. Gandapur added that the public had rejected the JUI-F leader and advised him to focus on reforming his own party rather than meddling in KP politics.
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Earlier, Maulana Fazl had remarked that any political change in KP should originate from within PTI. He also stated that the JUI-F would decide its course of action regarding KP through internal party consultations, stressing that the province could not withstand further political instability.
Following the Supreme Court’s June 27 verdict declaring PTI ineligible for reserved seats, the opposition alliance in KP now needs just 20 additional members to secure a simple majority in the provincial assembly.
Separately, Gandapur expressed his willingness to appreciate the Punjab government only if he is permitted to hold a public gathering in Lahore, citing his constitutional right to do so. He criticized the suspension of PTI’s Punjab Assembly members, calling it “illegal,” and warned that continued actions of this nature could prompt him to remove opposition committee chairpersons in KP in response.
In the wake of Imran Khan’s directives, PTI has intensified its preparations for a nationwide anti-government campaign. A few days earlier, Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, confirmed that the PTI founder would lead the protest from jail. “Our family is aware of the protest plan,” she said, though she refrained from sharing specific details. She assured the media would be informed at the appropriate time.
Aleema also criticized the party’s current leadership, quoting Khan as saying that while he is imprisoned physically, others are politically constrained outside. She confirmed that the entire Khan family would participate in the upcoming demonstrations and relayed Imran Khan’s message that those unable to bear the weight of the political struggle should step aside.
Regarding the protest route — whether it would begin in Peshawar and head toward Lahore — Aleema said the decision would be made and announced by the party leadership.
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram added that in the first phase, the party plans to hold demonstrations across provinces and districts. Responding to questions about Gandapur’s earlier remarks suggesting he might carry weapons to the protest, Akram clarified that the chief minister was referring to the right to self-defence. “What he meant was that everyone has the right to protect themselves,” Akram said.
He also confirmed that Imran Khan had appointed Gandapur to lead the protest movement.