In a forceful online speech on Sunday, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur responded to calls for his apology, asking, “What should I apologize for?”
He pointed out that while the Punjab government demands an apology from him, they should instead apologize for imprisoning Imran Khan and for the violence against peaceful protesters.
He stated, “Zille Shah was a peaceful protester who was killed. Will the IG of Punjab apologize? We won’t apologize until you acknowledge your persecution.”
Gandapur declared, “I’ve done nothing to warrant an apology; if you want to file charges, go ahead. We stand with Imran, and we will fight to free him and make him prime minister. I am nobody’s slave and will not apologize to anyone.”
He also expressed gratitude to PTI supporters in Lahore and KP for attending the rally on Saturday, saying, “I appreciate those who stood up for the truth.”
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated PTI rally in Lahore concluded on a quiet note when the lights went out and police cleared the stage after the 6 PM deadline, following speeches from leaders to supporters at Kahna on Ring Road.
Gandapur and Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan had not arrived by the time the deadline passed. Although Gandapur eventually reached the venue, he was unable to speak.
He condemned the Punjab government for shutting down the rally at 6 PM, stating, “There are no standard rules in this country. We want a single, unified Pakistan, not a state with two attitudes.”
Gandapur criticized the authorities for making “false statements” about open roads and access to the rally site. “They misled the media, claiming the routes were open, but people aren’t foolish,” he said.
He explained, “For 2 kilometers, they blocked off the rally venue with barriers to prevent direct access, and the rest of the route was blocked by containers. If the government is truly democratic, they would have allowed us to hold the rally at Minar-i-Pakistan.”