KP Gandapur Says 99% of Imran’s Transfer Arrangements Are Complete
News Desk
Islamabad: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has revealed that efforts are underway to facilitate the transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail, emphasizing that the process is progressing, and he has put everything in writing regarding the matter.
Gandapur stated, “If the other party retracts now, it would mean they are going back on their word.” He clarified that as the Chief Minister, he had maintained official communication on the issue, and it was suggested that Imran Khan be transferred to another location to continue back-channel discussions. However, Gandapur added that Khan had requested the release of PTI workers before his transfer.
Speaking on a TV program, Gandapur outlined a proposal to hold a face-to-face meeting with Imran Khan, which involved transferring him to either Nathia Gali or the KP Chief Minister’s House. He further stated that it was not Khan’s personal desire to relocate, but he had insisted that any talks be conducted at a designated location.
The CM confirmed that PTI’s formal communication with the relevant authorities began after October 4. He claimed that by November 26, 2024, 80 percent of the arrangements for Khan’s transfer had been completed, with progress reaching 99 percent after that.
Gandapur stressed that the matter was still in process and that several individuals, including himself, were actively working towards the transfer. He added that while the frequency of meetings had decreased, he had made sure that the situation was now clear, and any further backing out would be seen as a reversal of prior commitments.
Regarding the November 26, 2024 PTI protests, Gandapur claimed that government forces had opened fire on PTI protesters, as per the government’s instructions. He stated that those responsible for the firing were the true culprits, and that the government had been informed of the evidence regarding the incident.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had reportedly agreed to discuss the matter in negotiations aimed at forming a commission to investigate the events.
Gandapur also discussed the PTI leadership’s plans to relocate the November 26 protests to Sangjani, with Barristers Gohar and Saif speaking to the establishment about the proposal. However, Gandapur emphasized that approval for the relocation would need to come from Imran Khan, who should also make a public statement about it.
The CM also addressed concerns regarding his actions on November 26, clarifying that he had not abandoned Bushra Bibi during the protests.
He explained that he had briefly left her to clear the way, and that both of them were the last to leave D-Chowk. Gandapur suggested that if Bushra Bibi claimed he had left her alone, he would provide further clarification.
Additionally, Gandapur expressed his view that Imran Khan’s letter to the army chief was a positive sign, adding that the response from General Asim Munir would be awaited. He also rejected claims of creating factions within PTI, stating that he had been removed from his position as KP president by the party’s central committee, not by his own decision.
Gandapur mentioned that the committee had reported the need to remove Shakeel Khan and the party’s secretary, and an investigation was underway into the wheat procurement during the caretaker government.
