Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has formally called for the immediate release of citizens from his province who were detained following the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad on November 24.
In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Gandapur condemned the arrests of the province’s residents, describing them as illegal and a breach of their fundamental human rights.
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The letter follows a series of confrontations between PTI protesters and law enforcement during the Islamabad protest. Gandapur emphasized that the arrests disproportionately targeted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa residents, despite their peaceful involvement in the PTI-led protest.
He highlighted the unjust treatment of these individuals, claiming they were unfairly detained after the PTI protest march from D-Chowk. “This is a clear violation of the basic rights of our citizens,” Gandapur wrote, urging for their swift release.
The November 24 protest, led by PTI chairman Imran Khan, was attended by key party figures, including Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur. The protest turned chaotic after clashes with police on November 26, forcing leaders like Gandapur and Bushra Bibi to flee to Mansehra via Haripur, while most protesters dispersed.
Reports later emerged suggesting numerous casualties during the protest. Gandapur, along with PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja and Sardar Latif Khosa, claimed several fatalities due to alleged police firing. However, federal officials, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, dismissed these claims, calling for evidence.
In the aftermath, Islamabad and Rawalpindi police arrested about 1,400 individuals, accusing them of violent protests, property damage, and road blockages. Several PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Aleema Khan, were named in the cases, which included anti-terrorism charges.
Among the detained protesters were former President Dr. Arif Alvi, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Senator Azam Swati, and various local PTI leaders, all accused of inciting violence and disturbing public order during the protest.
