Atif Khan criticizes party’s D-Chowk demonstration amid controversy over KP CM Gandapur’s disappearance as the PTI plans another protest on October 15, coinciding with the SCO summit.
With the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announcing a new protest in Islamabad next week, MNA Atif Khan has criticized the recent D-Chowk demonstration, calling it “uncertain” due to the disappearance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Atif, speaking on a private news channel, stated that the party leadership should have provided clear instructions for workers at the demonstration, adding that members are now mistrusting each other over suspicions of double-dealing.
The controversy comes after last week’s protest in the federal capital, which aimed to highlight the “independence of the judiciary” and call for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, who has been in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for over a year.
The situation escalated when Islamabad police raided the KP House during the protest, and Gandapur went missing, demoralizing PTI workers.
Atif remarked that “mixed signals” from leaders cause confusion and disappointment among supporters.
Gandapur, who was leading the protest march from KP, reappeared a day later in the KP Assembly, claiming he had been at the KP House all along.
Following this incident, the PTI announced another protest in Islamabad on October 15, coinciding with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in the city.
The announcement has drawn strong criticism from the ruling coalition. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the government would not allow the protest to disrupt the SCO Conference.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned that no miscreants would be allowed to conspire against the country during such an important international event.
Meanwhile, PPP leader Sherry Rehman criticized the PTI’s planned protest, arguing that it would show the party prioritizes itself over Pakistan’s reputation and security while the country hosts a significant international event.