Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized Ali Amin Gandapur’s harsh remarks against the current government on Saturday, accusing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister of staging “theatrics” at the direction of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned. This came after Gandapur’s speech at a PTI rally in Swabi, where he vowed to secure Khan’s release at any cost.
During an appearance on Geo News’ “Naya Pakistan” program, Asif was asked about the potential impact of PTI’s planned nationwide protests calling for judicial independence and the release of Imran Khan. He dismissed any threat to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, asserting that the coalition government would complete its tenure and that the political and economic situation in the country was stabilizing.
Asif lambasted Gandapur’s “threatening” tone towards the federal government, claiming that the KP Chief Minister was “compromised” and acting out a scripted role on behalf of his party’s imprisoned leader. He pointed out that Gandapur had previously attempted to attack Islamabad but had retreated each time.
Imran Khan, who was arrested in August of the previous year after being convicted in the Toshakhana case, is currently serving time in Adiala Jail under high-security conditions. He faces several legal cases, including the Toshakhana and £190 million corruption cases.
Last week, Gandapur announced plans to push for the removal of the “Form 47” government and to lead a series of protests. PTI also unveiled a nationwide protest against the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which focuses on judicial reforms. Despite initial plans for a D-Chowk protest on October 15, PTI delayed the event due to the SCO summit in Islamabad.
