Ali Amin Gandapur Offers Talks, PTI Launches 90-Day Protest
The protest movement's outcome will be crucial in determining the future of PTI and its leadership, as the party continues to face legal challenges and opposition from the government. The success of the movement will depend on the party's ability to mobilize its supporters and negotiate with the government.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is willing to hold talks with those who "hold real power", as the party launched a 90-day nationwide campaign to achieve its political goals.
The campaign, which will culminate in a major milestone on August 5, aims to secure the release of Imran Khan, who will complete two years in jail on that day. Gandapur emphasized that Imran Khan will only engage in dialogue with stakeholders who hold actual decision-making authority, and condemned the "fascist crackdown" on PTI and its supporters. He also accused state institutions of overreach and undermining democracy.
However, key members of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led government rejected the offer, stating that Imran Khan should engage in dialogue with political forces. Federal Minister for State and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam dismissed Gandapur's offer, stating that PTI has no real authority and that their 90-day campaign is mere theatrics.
Gandapur renewed his offer for negotiations, urging "the beneficiaries of the system" to come to the negotiating table. He also challenged JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to contest by-election in his hometown, and dismissed claims of internal divisions within PTI. PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja echoed Gandapur's stance, stating that the party's unity in Lahore demonstrated unwavering support for Imran Khan.
The 90-day protest movement has sparked dissent among PTI workers, with some questioning the lack of a clear plan for the movement and others wondering if the Aug 5 protest had been postponed. Despite the uncertainty, Gandapur has labeled the protest movement as "do or die", stating it will determine the party's future course of action.