Imran Khan willing to talk with decision-makers: Ali Amin Gandapur

Express Tribune

a day ago

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said that former prime minister Imran Khan is ready to engage in talks with the country's decision-makers for the sake of Pakistan.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Gandapur accused JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman of being a 'hypocrite,' claiming he is still aligned with the establishment despite public criticism.
The K-P CM said the PTI-led movement has already begun on Imran's instructions and would reach its peak by August 5th. 'A new strategy will be announced after that,' he said, adding that the nation has awakened politically.
Gandapur alleged that PTI supporters were subjected to torture after 9 May, and that a renewed 'fascist campaign' is underway. 'Imran's cases are not allowed to proceed in courts even,' he added.
Gandapur said that even the constitutional right to protest is being taken away. 'We are urging people to come out and protest, yet state institutions have abandoned their constitutional duties and are engaged in unconstitutional actions. They have left counterterrorism and border security to target us instead,' he stated.
The K-P chief minister said a mafia structure has taken root in the country. 'Institutions claim they don't engage in politics, but that's exactly what they are doing. I am the son of a soldier, but today the people have turned against the institutions.'
He added that Imran has consistently called for dialogue. 'The public is rejecting undemocratic behaviour. If I have met someone for the sake of Pakistan, then yes, I have,' he said.
Gandapur alleged that the establishment played a role in orchestrating fake elections and toppling the government. 'Maulana Fazlur Rehman himself admitted that he acted on the instructions of General Bajwa to bring down our government,' he said.
The K-P CM said they have given themselves 90 days. 'Under the new strategy, we will take our movement to its peak by August 5. Within these 90 days, we will decide whether or not to continue doing politics in this country,' he stated.
He added that there is no deadlock in negotiations. 'They are wasting time to serve their own interests. We have never held secret meetings even in official gatherings, I openly represent my party's agenda,' he said.
He said that if they request permission to hold a rally in Lahore, they will also provide a guarantee that no vandalism will take place. 'Even when we don't announce a protest, a crackdown is launched against us,' he added.
Gandapur stated, 'God forbid I become like Asif Zardari. I have 56 FIRs against me, including charges of treason. Our 90-day period starts from tomorrow within this time, negotiations must take place and issues must be resolved.'
He said, 'I admit there are differences within the party, but when a party grows, disagreements are natural. I said it yesterday and I'm saying it again today — we must set aside our internal differences and move forward for a shared ideology'.
Gandapur added that K-P has Rs190 billion in its accounts. 'We have generated revenue in KP. Stop twisting our statements into false narratives. The only person who can solve Pakistan's problems is the PTI founder. The world has never accepted a government formed through a stolen mandate,' he said.
He said that the party had instructed not to comment on Maulana Fazlur Rehman, but added, 'Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a hypocrite. He is still secretly aligned with the establishment. He gained votes using religion, yet he lost his security deposit in his own constituency.'
He further stated, 'Someone elected from Balochistan has no right to speak about K-P. I challenge Maulana Fazlur Rehman to contest and win against my brother. If he fails, he should quit politics. If my brother loses to Maulana, I will leave politics.'
The CM of K-P said that their campaign has officially begun today, with a deadline set for 5 August. 'After that, we will decide for ourselves about politics, the state, and our future,' he stated.
He added, 'On 8 February, the people proved that the nation has awakened. There's nothing substantial in the cases against Imran Khan, which is why they are not being pursued in court. No political movement in the world has faced the kind of oppression we have. We will carry our movement through every street and city across Pakistan.'
He said, 'We will soon present a plan outlining our next steps. State institutions have abandoned their actual responsibilities and are engaged in other matters. Those responsible for managing the borders are to blame for the situation in K-P. Your martial laws have damaged both the country and democracy. Institutions are playing a central role in forming, running, and toppling governments. In this country, it is the institutions that are doing the most politics.'
Gandapur added, 'Let's sit together, admit our mistakes, and move forward. Even after facing such oppression, the PTI founder is calling for dialogue. This toxic political culture will eventually harm all parties. We have endured a lot, but many others may not. No one can say they are above accountability everyone will have to answer for their actions.'
The K-P CM questioned, 'Why was there no terrorism during the PTI founder's tenure? Look at the record — how many attacks and drone strikes occurred during our time.'
He urged, 'Let's sit down and have a reasoned discussion. After the 26th amendment, even the judiciary has been shackled. Set aside your stubbornness and ego, and talk for the nation's sake. If accountability is to happen, then everyone who has made mistakes must face consequences.'
He also said that the PTI founder's sons are welcome to come to Pakistan. 'They haven't announced any plans to enter politics. And if they do, that is our concern, not any other party's,' he stated.
United front
Meanwhile, PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja rejected claims of divisions within the party, calling it a narrative manufactured by the country's power brokers.
Speaking at a press conference, he said, 'This is a country of elites. The entire party gathering in Lahore is proof that we are united in our demand for the release of our founder, Imran Khan.'
Raja said Imran Khan's release symbolises the freedom of the state, judiciary, and the nation. 'Under his leadership, we will change the course of this country's history,' he added, vowing that the events of 8 February will not be forgotten.
He highlighted PTI's introduction of the health card scheme and said Pakistan's poor stand firmly with the party. 'The entire nation and party are united for the release of the PTI founder,' he reiterated.
He further accused the government of economic manipulation, stating, 'Millions of tonnes of sugar were exported and then re-imported at higher prices.'
Raja said PTI's movement will rise from every household across the country. 'We have made a promise to the people we are not backing down,' he declared.