Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur delivered a highly charged and controversial speech during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Peshawar, where he issued bold threats and declared intentions of armed resistance if provoked. The remarks have triggered widespread debate across political circles and social media, raising concerns about the potential for violence in Pakistan’s increasingly polarized political landscape.
Speaking to a crowd of enthusiastic PTI supporters, Gandapur openly stated, This time, we will go to Adiala with weapons. If bullets are fired at us, we will shoot back. If you hit us with sticks, we will respond with sticks. If you shoot one bullet, we will fire two. His aggressive stance appeared to signal a dramatic escalation in PTI’s political approach following months of political tension, crackdowns, and the arrest of party leader Imran Khan.
Gandapur’s speech emphasized unwavering loyalty to Imran Khan, the PTI founder and former Prime Minister, who is currently incarcerated. When Khan Sahib gave the call, the people of KP were the first to respond. This time too, KP will lead from the front, he said. Referring to an upcoming protest or movement planned for June 22, Gandapur added, This time, we will go to Adiala Jail — not empty-handed — we will go with arms. If we are met with violence, we will retaliate with full force. We will kill, not merely injure.
The CM’s remarks were met with roaring applause from the crowd. At one point, he asked party workers to raise their hands and show their readiness to act, further intensifying the emotional and militant tone of the rally.
In a departure from purely domestic issues, Gandapur also condemned the recent Israeli attack on Iran. We strongly denounce Israel’s aggression. Any attack on an Islamic country is intolerable,he declared. This statement, though expected to resonate with Pakistan’s largely pro-Palestinian sentiment, was overshadowed by his inflammatory comments regarding armed confrontation at home.
Political analysts are now warning that such rhetoric could set a dangerous precedent. Gandapur’s speech — especially coming from a sitting Chief Minister — has sparked fears of civil unrest and political violence, particularly in light of the government’s firm stance against PTI protests following the events of May 9, 2023, when PTI workers were accused of attacking military installations and public property.
Opposition leaders and civil society have condemned Gandapur’s threats, calling them reckless, irresponsible, and a violation of democratic norms. Critics argue that leaders holding public office should uphold the rule of law rather than inciting confrontation and violence. Threatening to go to Adiala Jail with weapons is a direct challenge to the writ of the state, said one legal expert, adding that such statements could potentially invite legal action under the Anti-Terrorism Act and other public order laws.
Government officials have yet to issue a formal response, but security agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Sources within law enforcement indicate that any attempt to approach sensitive sites like Adiala Jail with weapons will be dealt with strictly, and anyone inciting violence could face serious consequences.
Despite the backlash, PTI supporters continue to echo Gandapur’s sentiments online, praising his fearless stance and framing his remarks as a response to state repression. For many in the PTI base, Gandapur’s speech is a rallying cry — a defiant stance against what they see as political victimization and suppression of dissent.
As June 22 approaches, all eyes will be on PTI’s planned mobilization and the government’s response. Will this lead to a new chapter of violent confrontation, or will wiser counsel prevail to bring the political conflict back within the bounds of peaceful dialogue and constitutional engagement?
Only time will tell, but Gandapur’s explosive remarks have undoubtedly raised the stakes in Pakistan’s turbulent political theatre — and the fallout could be far-reaching.
