Peshawar: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has confirmed that while the PTI values dialogue—having previously negotiated even with the Tehreek-e-Taliban—there are no ongoing talks with the government at present, and protests will persist.
In a media briefing in Peshawar alongside Shibli Faraz, Barrister Saif stated, “The government has fabricated cases against us. Six cases have been filed against me. We have protested before, and we will continue to do so until this illegitimate government is removed.”
He stressed that citizens have the right to travel to Islamabad and participate in protests, reiterating PTI founder Imran Khan’s position that demonstrations, sit-ins, and rallies are vital parts of their movement. “We have the right to protest anywhere,” he said.
While expressing his support for dialogue, Saif clarified, “I’ve always believed in dialogue. I was the one who initiated talks with the Taliban, and we’ve negotiated with them in the past. We believe in dialogue, but currently, no talks are underway. If Imran Khan allows it, we will engage in discussions.”
Saif criticized the government for calling them instigators, saying, “The true instigators are those who fired on unarmed citizens during negotiations.”
On the law and order situation, the K-P spokesperson stated, “Security issues in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa date back to 1979 when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. The PTI has not worsened the security situation; the federal government is simply blaming us for the failure to maintain peace. Border security is the federal government’s responsibility, and issuing statements is not enough.”
He also mentioned that a grand jirga has been convened to maintain peace in Kurram, where a ceasefire was facilitated and a helicopter was provided by the Chief Minister to deliver medical supplies. Saif emphasized that there is no emergency in Kurram, only ongoing conflict, and orders have been issued to dismantle the bunkers in the area.
In response to a question, he confirmed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will decide on participation in the governor’s All-Parties Conference (APC).
Gandapur meets PTI worker injured during protest
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur met with a PTI worker who was pushed off a three-story container during the Islamabad protest. Gandapur condemned the incident and expressed his regret.
He wished the injured worker a swift recovery and assured full support for their treatment, adding that the violence against peaceful protesters was “highly condemnable.”
The Chief Minister praised the courage and determination of PTI workers during the protest, calling them invaluable assets to the party and loyal supporters of Imran Khan. He further pledged that the families of workers injured or martyred due to the protest will receive support.
Gandapur concluded by stating, “The release of Imran Khan will happen soon.” The injured worker expressed their readiness to make any sacrifice for Imran Khan’s release.
