PTI awaits Imran Khan’s instructions on ‘civil disobedience movement’: Gandapur
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is awaiting “clear instructions” from imprisoned party founder Imran Khan regarding the launch of a civil disobedience movement. Speaking to journalists in Peshawar, Gandapur said, “Whatever he [Imran Khan] decides, we would implement it in the same spirit.”
Gandapur clarified that the decision to initiate a civil disobedience movement was made by Imran Khan, not by him. “There is no clarity until now,” he said, adding that the party would determine the phases and starting point of the movement once Khan’s instructions are received.
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Imran Khan, who is currently jailed, had earlier announced that the movement would begin if his demands, including a judicial probe into the crackdown on PTI supporters, were not met. Initially set to begin on December 14, the launch of the movement was postponed to December 16.
The former prime minister, through a message shared on X, warned the government of severe consequences if his demands were ignored. Khan called for the release of “political prisoners” facing trials and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate two key events: the May 9, 2023, unrest and the late-night crackdown on PTI protesters on November 26.
Khan also announced the formation of a negotiation committee, comprising senior party leaders such as Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Asad Qaiser. The committee has been tasked with negotiating these demands with the federal government.
“If these two demands are not accepted, a civil disobedience movement will be launched from December 16,” Khan declared, holding the government responsible for any outcomes of the movement.
Highlighting the critical role of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gandapur stated, “The KP is always on the frontline whenever a movement is launched.” However, he admitted that the exact structure and stages of the civil disobedience campaign remain undecided.
Despite the uncertainty, Gandapur dismissed claims from the federal government that PTI’s popularity had waned following the abrupt end of its “final call” protest last month. He insisted that the party’s support had only grown, particularly during protests he led in Islamabad.
The chief minister acknowledged that the government’s crackdown on PTI leaders and supporters had caused fear among some party members, preventing them from actively participating in demonstrations. However, he reiterated that PTI remains strong and united under Khan’s leadership.
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