Ali Amin Gandapur, former chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stated on Monday that the decision to delay the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march had undermined the party’s strength. He noted that PTI lacked concrete preparations for the march, which was initially planned for September 27 but later rescheduled to October 4.
Gandapur explained that the postponement disrupted the party’s momentum, although he remained confident that mounting pressure on the federal government would eventually compel it to meet PTI’s demands. He highlighted that provincial ministers, assembly members, and party workers were being detained due to the absence of a firm administrative authority in the province.
Recalling his own experience, Gandapur mentioned that despite facing obstacles and resistance, he managed to reach Islamabad three times during previous protests. He also revealed that he had stepped down from the chief minister position following instructions from PTI founder Imran Khan and expressed willingness to return if directed.
Regarding negotiations with the government, Gandapur emphasized that such responsibilities lie with the party’s decision-makers rather than himself. He further shared that he maintained cordial relations with the current KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, noting their shared party affiliation and Pashtun heritage, which fosters mutual respect.
These comments followed the announcement by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi that the PTI long march would be postponed to October 4. Afridi stated that the march would commence from Peshawar on that date and that key political figures, including TTAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, had been informed of the unanimous decision by the political committee to delay the event.
PTI is gearing up for a significant protest and march towards Islamabad, demanding the release of its imprisoned founder Imran Khan and calling for the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
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