By In a surprising development, PTI founder Imran Khan has publicly supported Ali Amin Gandapur, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, and criticized those distancing themselves from Gandapur’s controversial speech at a recent rally. Speaking from Adiala jail after proceedings related to a £190 million corruption case, Khan declared that he was closing the door on dialogue with the establishment, accusing them of deceiving PTI.
Khan endorsed Gandapur’s remarks on the media, women, and the establishment, calling them a reflection of “public sentiments.” He alleged that the KP Chief Minister was detained by the establishment after the Islamabad rally and warned of severe consequences for such actions. Gandapur’s remarks, which had sparked widespread condemnation and led to apologies from PTI leaders like Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Omar Ayub, were defended by Khan as justified.
The former prime minister revealed that PTI had postponed its August 22 rally at the establishment’s request but vowed that the September 21 power show in Lahore would proceed as planned. He urged the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.
In related news, Khan claimed the government was preparing a constitutional package to extend the Chief Justice’s term. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed strong opposition to this proposed package, stating it would restrict judicial independence. Gohar, who was briefly arrested on Monday and released on Tuesday, emphasized that the party would resist the package and continue its public meetings. He criticized the pressure on PTI MNAs to support the package and confirmed that the Lahore rally would go ahead as scheduled.
Regarding the recent arrest of PTI legislators from Parliament, Gohar condemned it as an “attack on parliament” and called for an investigation by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. He described September 10 as a “black day for democracy” and vowed to challenge the detention of PTI lawmakers in court.
In the ongoing £190 million corruption case, the cross-examination of the final prosecution witness could not be completed due to the defense counsel’s engagements in the Lahore High Court. The NAB prosecution has requested that the court close the right of cross-examination, citing delays. The judge has adjourned the hearing until September 12.
