Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has strongly criticized the government for using live ammunition against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers.
He accused the government of engaging in fascism and oppression over the past two and a half years. Addressing the issue, Gandapur emphasized that PTI is a peaceful party committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting citizens, and fostering true democracy for future generations.
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“We are peacefully demanding our rightful claims, but instead of being heard, we are met with repression,” Gandapur stated, expressing his frustration with the judiciary’s inaction and the disregard for parliamentary integrity. He lamented that PTI is consistently barred from organizing meetings or protests, including the recent sit-in at Hadi Chowk, Islamabad, which faced violent crackdowns.
Gandapur condemned the government’s use of force, labeling it an act of fascism, and highlighted PTI’s resolve to continue its protests despite these challenges. He noted that while the number of participants may vary, the determination to carry on the sit-in remains unwavering.
Reflecting on the party’s sacrifices, Gandapur mentioned the tragic loss of protesters, with hundreds martyred in their fight for justice. He affirmed that PTI’s sit-in is fully under their control and will persist until their demands are addressed. The ongoing protests, he said, have become a symbol of PTI’s resistance and dedication to their cause, drawing both praise and criticism from across the political spectrum.
To honor those who lost their lives during the protests, Gandapur announced a compensation package of Rs10 million for each martyred PTI worker at D-Chowk and pledged that the party would cover medical expenses for the injured.