PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday said his government does not support any military operation in the province.
Addressing a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Peshawar, he said: “We will not allow nor support any operation. The federal government should listen carefully: the KP government does not support operations or displacement of people.”
He urged “federal institutions” to hold talks with Afghanistan to resolve the issue of terrorism, adding: “We do not want war and will raise our voice against it.”
Gandapur’s stance has shifted over time. In July, after earlier criticising an army action against militants in Bajaur, he publicly declared full support for “targeted operations.” A day before that statement, however, he had released a video message claiming innocent civilians were killed in Bajaur, warning that such operations harmed public trust in the army.
Earlier this week, Gandapur said mortar shelling, drone strikes and use of fighter jets against militants were the army’s constitutional right and that the provincial government could not stop it.
Call for justice
At the rally, Gandapur also demanded the judiciary deliver justice in line with the Constitution, saying: “Justice must be given to Imran Khan, his wife, and the people.”
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He vowed that PTI’s struggle for “real freedom” would continue until success was achieved. Addressing Army Chief General Asim Munir, Gandapur said: “It is your duty to play your role and resolve Imran Khan’s issue,” recalling that PTI’s founder had stood by the military during the May conflict with India.
PTI leader Faisal Javed announced at the rally that video messages of Imran Khan would be shown. Later, a clip of Khan addressing what appeared to be a past public gathering was played. Party leader Azam Swati also addressed the rally, pledging to endure “oppression” until Khan is released from jail.
According to PTI, workers and supporters travelled to Peshawar from across the country to participate. While TV channels did not broadcast the rally live, PTI streamed it online.
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Peshawar’s capital city police chief said 1,451 officers, including rooftop snipers, were deployed for security, while 508 traffic officials managed the flow of vehicles. PTI leaders including Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and provincial president Junaid Akbar visited the venue beforehand to review arrangements.
PTI general secretary Salman Akram Raja said earlier that the rally would raise a strong voice against unrest, constitutional violations, and curbs on free expression.
Centre slams KP govt stance
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticised the KP government, saying it had a right to hold rallies but must adopt a clear stance against terrorism and stand behind the security forces instead of creating ambiguity.
Addressing a press conference in Faisalabad, Chaudhry said Afghan nationals made up 70 to 80 per cent of terrorist groups now, compared to 30 to 50 per cent earlier, questioning why the KP government did not speak on where militants came from and who sent them.
“Dialogue with those who kill our soldiers and children and bomb our markets is meaningless. Terrorists who speak with bullets will only be answered with bullets,” he said.
The minister accused the KP government of trying to create a “safe haven” for militants. He said the province had received Rs600 billion over 13 years for counter-terrorism, but no facilities or weapons were provided to the security forces.
“National Action Plan was a consensus, yet its implementation lags because of the shortcomings of political parties and provincial governments,” he said, praising the sacrifices of security forces.
He said provincial leaders were trying to extract deals through rallies, but “whoever stands with terrorists will be considered a terrorist.”
Chaudhry said Afghan militants were crossing the border with Kabul’s support, and evidence had been shared with the interim Afghan government and international community.
Referring to a recent operation in Karak, he said 17 militants were killed and six captured, with only three security personnel sustaining minor injuries.
On PTI founder Imran Khan, he alleged that Khan’s narrative echoed that of “India and Israel,” saying the former premier never tweeted in support of martyrs but opposed drone strikes against militants.
Chaudhry also credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for restoring Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with China, Gulf states, the US, and Europe, which had soured during the PTI government.
On the upcoming Pakistan-India Asia Cup clash, he said defeat and victory should be taken in stride, urging fans to support the team. “Beating India has its own joy,” he said, expressing hope Pakistan would win “just like we defeated India in war.”