• Meets Imran, warns of final call for ex-PM’s release after Swabi rally on 9th
• Says public will soon rid itself of ‘Form 47’ govt
• Seeks capital punishment for violators of Constitution

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pak­h­tunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced on Saturday, following a meeting with PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, that he would soon “hammer the last nail in the government’s coffin” and that his party was ready to “make the ultimate sacrifice”.

“The final call for Imran Khan’s release will be given after the public gathering in Swabi on Nov 9,” Mr Gandapur told reporters in Rawalpindi.

The KP chief minister said he was “tired of being peaceful” in the face of the state’s alleged heavy-handedness. “We will go out there and be ready to make the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “Despite being peaceful, our workers are beaten and arrested. They are acquitted in court cases only to be re-arrested and charged with new offences. This is intolerable.”

According to media reports, PTI is considering establishing a “tent city” in Swabi and may announce a march on Islam­abad to demand the release of Mr Khan, who is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail.

Mr Gandapur had previously also declared his intention to “shut down the country” and launch a movement against the government if Mr Khan was not released.

He urged PTI workers to “inform your families not to wait for you, as your coffins may arrive instead”. He stressed that the Peshawar rally planned for Nov 8 would be cancelled to focus on arrangements for the Swabi public meeting.

He claimed that the public would soon rid itself of the “Form 47” government and that the country would be liberated from an administration he accused of violating the Constitution. Using the term “Haqeeqi Azadi” (True Free­dom), a phrase popularised by Imran Khan, Mr Gandapur pledged to continue the struggle for it.

Despite being ominous with his remarks, he stressed that PTI would remain peaceful. “We and our leader (Imran Khan) have been mistreated by the state despite us being peaceful. With the power of people, we will come out and return home with our rights,” he said.

He called the upcoming rally a “jirga for all of Pakhtunkhwa” and added that after consultations, “a final schedule will be announced” about the rally routes, among other details. “Those attending from other parts of the country will join in and represent their areas,” he added.

When asked about his involvement in Bushra Bibi’s recent release, Mr Gandapur clarified that he was not directly involved, suggesting that “everyone knows who played a role” in her release.

He noted that he has been facing increased pressure, with eight cases filed against him.

In reply to another question, he called for death penalty for individuals who violate the Constitution, warning that, without severe consequences, constitutional breaches will persist.

The chief minister also recounted an incident in Islamabad where his vehicle was damaged and his mobile phone was confiscated and never returned.

However, he stressed that “they” would not find anything incriminating on his phone.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2024