In a significant political move, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan expressed firm support for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, following backlash over Gandapur’s controversial speech at a public rally. Addressing reporters at Adiala Jail after a court appearance regarding the £190 million corruption case, Khan announced the PTI would no longer engage in dialogue with the establishment, accusing them of deceit.
Khan endorsed Gandapur’s remarks, which had sparked widespread condemnation, including apologies from PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Omar Ayub. He described the comments as a reflection of “public sentiment” and warned that the KP chief minister’s detention after the Islamabad rally would have serious repercussions for the establishment.
Khan, who earlier revealed that PTI postponed its August 22 rally at the establishment’s request, reaffirmed that the party’s September 21 power show in Lahore would proceed as planned. He called on the judiciary to ensure the rule of law.
Opposition to constitutional package
Khan further claimed the government was preparing a constitutional package to extend the term of the Chief Justice of Pakistan. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, PTI Chairman, vowed to resist these judicial reforms, declaring the move an attack on judicial independence.
Gohar, who was briefly detained outside Parliament but later released, highlighted pressure on PTI lawmakers to support the package. He stressed that the party would not allow the extension of the chief justice’s tenure and would continue its public rallies nationwide.
PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub echoed these concerns, alleging that PTI legislators were being coerced to back the constitutional changes. The party plans to split its attendance in the National Assembly to oppose the government’s strategy.
Legal challenges and “Black Day for Democracy”
Gohar also condemned the recent arrests of PTI lawmakers in Parliament, calling it an “attack on democracy.” Over a dozen PTI legislators were placed on physical remand, a decision the party intends to challenge in court. Gohar urged the Speaker of the National Assembly to investigate the arrests.
Separately, Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, faced further legal complications as the cross-examination in their £190 million corruption case was delayed. The National Accountability Bureau requested the court to close the defence’s cross-examination rights due to repeated delays.
In another case, the Federal Investigation Agency’s Special Court issued notices to Khan and his wife in a Toshakhana reference related to a Bvlgari jewellery set. The hearing has been adjourned to September 16.
Amid these mounting legal and political challenges, PTI remains resolute in its opposition to the establishment and proposed judicial reforms.