KP CM Gandapur launches protest movement, slams establishment

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has announced the launch of a new political movement from Lahore — a city he described as the "political Kaaba" of Pakistan, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Saturday. 

Addressing a press conference after presiding over a consultative meeting of the PTI central leaders and workers, he said, "Whenever a movement starts from Lahore, it succeeds across Pakistan. Today, we are launching our movement from here, and InshaAllah, it will sweep the entire country."

In a blistering attack on the military establishment, Gandapur accused it of imposing an "undeclared martial law" that has "ruined the country."

"For decades, a few parties and the establishment have imposed their will on this nation," he said. "They conducted so many experiments under martial law that they bankrupted Pakistan. These experiments have pushed Pakistan into a severe crisis,” he added.

“Even after all this, their hunger for power remains unsatisfied. Now they have imposed a form of martial law that exists not on paper, but is very real in its effect.”

The KP Chief Minister lamented the damage caused to the country and criticized the military’s current role, saying, “They do not realize the extent of harm caused to Pakistan, and they show no remorse. 

Their interference has also insulted the dignity of the soldiers standing at the frontlines.”

He further stated, “When questioned, they refuse to consider themselves answerable. But we will hold them accountable.”

The KP chief minister condemned the imprisonment of PTI founder Imran Khan, calling him "innocent" and stating that "there are no real cases against him."

Gandapur urged PTI leaders from all provinces to assess their local political conditions and devise strategies accordingly.

"Our action plan must align with Pakistan’s current situation," he said. "I urge all provinces to analyze their circumstances and present their plans to the party. We must prepare for a decisive push by August 5."

He also cautioned against comparing Punjab with KP, saying "it would be unfair" given their differing political landscapes.

Prepare your strategies accordingly and submit them to the party leadership,” he said.

 “Our goal is to take this movement to its peak by August 5. We must reflect on how to achieve that.”