Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Faces Protest Over Failure to Attend Rawalpindi Rally

Islamabad:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur faced significant backlash from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers after he failed to arrive on time for the Rawalpindi protest, leading to accusations of questionable conduct and calls for his resignation.

On Saturday, Gandapur was met with intense criticism when he did not reach the rally in Rawalpindi, despite being called by party leader Imran Khan. Upon arriving at the Burhan Interchange with heavy machinery, he encountered police barriers and severe shelling, prompting him to decide on returning to Peshawar.

As soon as Gandapur announced his return, PTI workers became enraged and staged a sit-in protest. Party leader Azam Swati managed to calm the situation temporarily, but tensions remained high.

Reports suggest that Gandapur’s decision to end the protest was not his own but was influenced by the central leadership of PTI. Despite this announcement, workers continued their sit-in at the Burhan Interchange, demanding that Gandapur proceed to Rawalpindi and rejecting any notion of returning.

Protesters surrounded Gandapur’s vehicle, chanting slogans against his return and questioning why they were taken to the streets only for him to back down. They further called for his immediate resignation.

In response, Gandapur stated that the purpose of the protest had been achieved and that the message had reached its intended audience. He emphasized that the movement would continue and urged supporters not to be disheartened by any negativity. He also announced provisions for food for PTI workers participating in the protest.

This situation reflects ongoing tensions within the party and highlights the challenges leaders face in maintaining unity and morale among their supporters.