Imran calls PTI leaders “cowards” for apologising over Gandapur’s anti-establishment remarks

Former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said he firmly stood by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and called his party leaders "cowards" for apologising over his derogatory remarks against women and the establishment.

During an informal discussion with journalists at Adiala Jail, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stated, ‘"Ali Amin Gandapur expressed the sentiments of the nation. I stand with him."

"Party members who apologised for Gandapur’s remarks are weak and cowards; they should not remain in the PTI," he continued.

Earlier on Sunday, during a fiery speech at a PTI rally in Islamabad, CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur made derogatory remarks against women, journalists, and the establishment.

He also threatened that if Imran Khan is not released within two weeks, “we will have him freed ourselves.”

PTI Chairman Barrish Gohar Ali Khan issued an unconditional apology in the National Assembly on Monday over Gandapur’s remarks.

The PTI founder further asserted that he is “closing the door to negotiations” with all political parties and instructed his party leaders not to engage in any dialogue with the establishment due to its deceptive tactics.

Earlier, he had allowed six members of his party to engage in talks with the establishment, but he has now decided to halt these negotiations.

He stated that the establishment requested to postpone the PTI rally on August 22, after which he halted the gathering despite his party workers being on their way to attend the jalsa.

He also mentioned that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a rally on September 9 was granted by the establishment, but his party was “deceived.” 

Khan maintained that the rally in Lahore, scheduled for September 21, will take place whether the authorities allow it or not.

The cricketer-turned-politician urged the nation to prepare for a peaceful protest, stating, 'The constitution gives us the right to peaceful protest; do not be afraid of filling up the jails.'

Khan denied Faisal Vawda's allegations of his involvement in the assassination of journalist Arshad Sharif, saying, 'Everyone knows who Faisal Vawda is speaking for.'