PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday declared that his government would not support any military operation in the province.
Speaking at 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.”
Gandapur called on federal institutions to initiate talks with Afghanistan to address terrorism, stressing: “We do not want war and will raise our voice against it.”
Shifting position on operations
The chief minister’s stance has shifted repeatedly in recent months. In July, after initially criticising an army action in Bajaur, he expressed full support for “targeted operations.” A day earlier, however, he had released a video alleging civilian deaths in Bajaur, warning such operations eroded public trust in the army.
Earlier this week, Gandapur acknowledged that mortar shelling, drone strikes and the use of fighter jets against militants were the army’s constitutional right, adding that the provincial government could not intervene.
Call for justice
At the rally, Gandapur also urged the judiciary to uphold the Constitution, saying justice must be given to PTI founder Imran Khan, his wife, and the people.
He vowed PTI’s struggle for “real freedom” would continue until success was achieved. Addressing Army Chief General Asim Munir, he said:
“It is your duty to play your role and resolve Imran Khan’s issue,” recalling Khan’s support for the military during the May conflict with India.
PTI leaders Faisal Javed, Azam Swati, and others also addressed the gathering, while video messages of Imran Khan were played.
