Unapologetic Gandapur Fires Back, Demands Punjab Government Apologize for PTI Crackdown

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur firmly rejected calls for an apology over his harsh remarks, countering with accusations against Punjab's government for persecuting PTI. Despite backlash, including from PTI founder Imran Khan, Gandapur remains unapologetic, insisting the Punjab government should apologize first.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, on Sunday, dismissed calls for an apology over his sharp comments, and instead demanded an apology from Punjab's government for alleged persecution of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), reported Dawn.

Gandapur faced intense backlash following his statements at a PTI rally on September 8. He accused media of succumbing to governmental pressure, referring to them as 'sycophants' and 'sellouts'. Even PTI founder Imran Khan criticized Gandapur's remarks from Adiala Jail, suggesting that the Chief Minister had overstepped.

Government leaders urged Gandapur to apologize, but he remained defiant in an online video message, criticizing the Punjab government for imprisoning Imran Khan and allegedly killing peaceful protestors. He declared, 'I have nothing to apologize for,' and thanked PTI supporters for their attendance at recent rallies in Lahore and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The rally in Lahore met an anti-climactic end after the government cut it short at 6 pm, prompting Gandapur to condemn what he called inconsistent national policies and accusing authorities of making 'fake statements' about access to the rally site.

(With inputs from agencies.)