PTI stands firm over Gandapur public apology before Lahore jalsa

ISLAMABAD: Despite the Lahore administration’s demand for an apology from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for his controversial remarks on September 8, PTI remains adamant that no such apology will be issued.

The Lahore district administration granted permission for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a rally yesterday, with specific guidelines to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

A notable stipulation in the permission is that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister must apologize for his previous strong remarks made during a rally on September 8.

PTI leader Mehr Bano Qureshi speaking to HUM News program “Newsline with Maria Zulfiqar” has made it clear that CM Gandapur will not bow to any such demands.

Mehr Bano Qureshi explicitly stated, “Under no circumstances will Ali Amin Gandapur apologise for his remarks. If the Lahore administration wants to retract their permission for the jalsa, they can go ahead, but PTI will hold the rally at all costs.”

This defiant stance comes amid rising tensions between PTI and the government.

Qureshi further emphasized that PTI would not apologise for actions it deemed justified, especially when no one had ever apologized for “atrocities committed against PTI workers.” She added, “We are only answerable to Allah and will say sorry to Him, not to anyone else.”

The Lahore district administration granted permission for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a rally yesterday, with specific guidelines to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

According to the notification, the rally is set to take place from 3 PM to 6 PM.

The Lahore jalsa, a significant event for PTI, is expected to draw large crowds. However, it is now clouded by the controversy surrounding Gandapur’s remarks, which some officials have termed “inflammatory.”

PTI leader Ishtiaq A. Khan stated that while they would strive to comply with the rules, they cannot take responsibility for the Chief Minister’s actions.

Additionally, Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, highlighted the disparity in treatment, noting that while the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) was allowed to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, PTI faced restrictions. He assured that PTI would conduct their rally peacefully.

PTI Pakistan rally approved amidst controversy and chaos