PTI’s KP president meets predecessor to discuss upcoming protest

PESHAWAR/LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) newly appointed Provincial President Junaid Akbar met with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Prior to Akbar, the position was held by Gandapur himself.

Both leaders carried out detailed discussion on the upcoming protest gathering in Swabi on February 8. Speaking to media after the meeting, Akbar said, “We will make the public meeting in Swabi successful.”

On January 25, Gandapur was removed from the position of PTI’s provincial president. The party members, including Salman Akram Raja, said that former PTI chairman Imran Khan had appointed Akbar on the advice of Gandapur. They said that the chief minister is busy with the provincial matters and the party needs increased engagement on all levels, necessitating a dedicated resource.

However, some political commentators attributed the change to the discord between Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and Gandapur, particularly with regards to the previous protests by the PTI.

LAHORE PROTEST RALLY

PTI is planning a protest rally in Lahore, on February 8, at Minar-e-Pakistan. The opposition party’s provincial president has reached out to Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) for official permission. However, PTI is yet to receive any response. For this purpose, PTI has moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) to seek a response from the administration. The high court has issued directives for the district administration to respond by February 6.

INTERIOR MINISTER WARNS

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that the state will take action PTI proceeds with the protest, despite government requests to refrain from demonstrations.

Naqvi said, “We made a similar request on November 26 and will do the same for protest on February 8. If they do not comply, the state will step in,” he added.