Accusations Against Gandapur
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday accused Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of playing a “double game,” asserting that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had come to a similar conclusion regarding his actions.
Disheartening Protesters at D-Chowk
Speaking in an interview with Geo News, Asif claimed that many Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters who had gathered at D-Chowk during the protest were demoralised after realising that Gandapur had disappeared from the scene.
“The central leadership, the Punjab leadership, the secretary, and the chairman were all absent. Only a few workers were present at the protest,” Asif noted, adding that many of the demonstrators were actually KP policemen disguised in civilian clothing.
Gandapur’s Location During the Protest
Asif further alleged that contrary to Gandapur’s previous statements, the KP CM had spent the previous night at Omar Ayub’s residence in Haripur, accessible via a road through the Margalla Hills, which leads to Daman-i-Koh.
Frustration Among PTI Supporters
Asif claimed that PTI workers, who had been criticising PML-N on social media until recently, were now expressing dissatisfaction with PTI leadership. He suggested that this disillusionment would make it challenging for the party to mobilise their support base again in the future.
Gandapur’s Role in PTI and Establishment Relations
Regarding Gandapur’s significance to PTI, Asif said that Imran Khan would not take action against the KP CM, as he served as a key intermediary between PTI and the establishment.
