PTI parliamentary party blasts central leadership over D-Chowk event

PESHAWAR: The meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) parliamentary party, called by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, ended with lawmakers strongly criticizing the party’s central leadership, media reports suggested on Friday.

Reports indicated that strict protocols were enforced during the meeting, with members prohibited from bringing mobile phones into the session.

During the meeting, lawmakers questioned the absence of senior leaders at the party’s protest at D-Chowk. “Where were they, and why did they disappear?” members reportedly asked, expressing frustration over what they viewed as a failure of leadership at a critical time.

Despite the criticism, the parliamentary party expressed confidence in KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur, reports claimed.

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Defending his actions, Gandapur asserted that he was the last to leave D-Chowk during the protest. “My top priority was ensuring the safety of Bushra Bibi,” he said, adding, “It would have been a matter of shame for us had anything happened to her.”

He further declared his loyalty to the party’s founder, saying that if ordered, he would not only relinquish the chief ministership but also resign from the assembly altogether.

Earlier, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, speaking to media in Islamabad, questioned the heavy-handed crackdown on PTI supporters. “Is participating in PTI protests now a crime punishable by death? Our party upholds peaceful and democratic values,” he said.

Gohar dismissed criticism of the leadership during recent protests, claiming it was a distraction from the real issues. “Our members of Parliament remain steadfast in their loyalty to Imran Khan and his vision. Leadership was never instructed to be at a specific place or time during the protest,” he clarified.

Reiterating the party’s commitment to peaceful protests, he said, “Whether the demonstration takes place at D-Chowk or Sangjani, no one will be allowed to resort to violence.”

Notably, Gandapur, while addressing the KP Assembly session, which began after a three-hour delay on Friday night, reiterated his statement that he left D-Chowk to ensure Bushra Bibi’s safety.