Peshawar, September 27, 2025: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and senior PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday declared that his government would not support any military operation in the province, urging the federal government instead to pursue dialogue with Afghanistan to address militancy.
Speaking at a large PTI rally in Peshawar, Gandapur said: “We will not allow any operation and do not support it. The federal government should listen: the KP government does not support operation or displacement.” He stressed that war was not the answer and called on “federal institutions” to engage Kabul for a diplomatic resolution.
His stance, however, has fluctuated in recent months. In July, Gandapur described security forces in KP as “guests” invited by the provincial government, but later criticised military actions in Bajaur that he claimed harmed civilians. Earlier this week, he acknowledged that drone strikes and air operations against terrorists were within the army’s constitutional mandate.
At Saturday’s rally, Gandapur also urged the judiciary to deliver justice to PTI founder Imran Khan and his family. Addressing Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir directly, he said: “It is obligatory on you to play your role and sort out Imran’s issue, just as he played his role in the May conflict with India.”
The rally, attended by thousands of supporters, featured fiery speeches from PTI leaders who reiterated demands for Imran Khan’s release from Adiala Jail and denounced what they called an oppressive system.
A video message from Imran Khan was played, though it appeared to be from an earlier gathering. PTI leaders including Faisal Javed, Azam Swati, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser addressed the crowd, accusing the federal government of corruption, repression, and mishandling relief efforts for flood victims.
“If there were true freedom, PTI leaders would not be jailed for 10 years by military tribunals,” said Information Secretary Waqas Akram, who also lambasted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for “photo-op politics” during recent floods.
Salman Akram Raja recalled his recent meeting with Imran in jail, quoting him as saying: “Tell my nation I will never bend before hardship. I am in jail because I value every drop of blood my nation sheds.” He said PTI’s movement would not end until “the system of oppression” is dismantled.
Former NA speaker Asad Qaiser echoed Gandapur’s call for peace, stating: “We will not allow military operations in KP under any circumstances. We are tired of wars.” He called for trade and dialogue with Afghanistan, urging regional cooperation for stability and jobs.
The PTI used social media to broadcast the event, as major television channels did not air it. According to Peshawar police, 1,451 personnel, including rooftop snipers, were deployed for security, while 508 traffic officers managed routes around the rally site.
Senior PTI leaders, including Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and provincial president Junaid Akbar, visited the venue ahead of the event to inspect preparations.
Party General Secretary Salman Akram Raja had said earlier that the Peshawar rally was aimed at raising a nationwide voice against “lawlessness, constitutional violations, and restrictions on free speech.”
