Gandapur Confirms Viral Stitches Photo Linked to May 9 Custody

News Desk
PESHAWAR: Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has publicly confirmed the authenticity of a widely circulated social media photograph showing surgical stitches on his body, attributing the injury to alleged custodial violence following the May 9 unrest. Speaking to the media, the senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader verified that the visual circulating across digital platforms depicts a genuine medical condition resulting from injuries sustained while in detention after the violent protests that erupted nationwide in 2023.
Addressing the specifics of the viral image, Gandapur maintained that the marks stem from an older wound inflicted during his detention period, stating unequivocally that the physical trauma was a direct consequence of mistreatment by authorities. The politician added that he is currently undergoing continuous medical treatment and regular check-ups to address the long-term health complications arising from the incident, which has remained a subject of intense political debate among various factions.
The confirmation has reignited fiery political discourse across Pakistan, with PTI leadership utilizing the development to further their narrative regarding state-sponsored coercion and human rights violations against political dissidents. Conversely, government representatives and law enforcement agencies have historically dismissed such allegations as politically motivated propaganda designed to malign state institutions and evade accountability for the widespread vandalism and violence witnessed during the May 9 demonstrations.
As the debate intensifies, political analysts anticipate that the issue will trigger renewed parliamentary friction and legal maneuvering by the opposition party.
Further statements from the PTI’s legal and medical teams are expected in the coming days as they compile comprehensive documentation regarding the health status and detention conditions of their incarcerated and prominent leaders.