Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has strongly condemned calls for the arrest of the sons of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, calling such remarks “a display of extreme pettiness.” He said the children had merely come to meet their father, and targeting them was shameful and unwarranted.

Addressing a press conference, Gandapur denounced political victimisation, stating it was harming Pakistan’s global image and deepening divisions between state institutions. “Political revenge is damaging the country’s reputation abroad and further straining institutional trust,” he said.

Issuing a clear warning, the CM declared that any attempt to topple the KP government would result in his complete withdrawal from politics. “If the KP government is brought down, I will quit politics,” he said.

He also announced that all decisions regarding the upcoming Senate elections would be made by the PTI founder, whom he referred to as the party’s “Patron-in-Chief.”

On the issue of personal security, Gandapur asserted his right to self-defence. “Our religion and constitution both allow complete self-defence. Staying silent in the face of aggression is no less than suicide,” he stated.

Commenting on intra-party dynamics, Gandapur urged unity and discouraged factionalism. He reiterated his long-standing stance in favour of party cohesion and national solidarity.

The chief minister stressed that the KP government’s top priority is upholding the rule of law, and rebuilding trust between institutions is essential.

He also demanded that PTI leaders be allowed to meet the party founder to discuss the party’s future strategy.

Terming the recent arrests and restrictions on the right to protest as “regrettable and unacceptable,” Gandapur warned that if political repression continues, a new course of action will soon be announced.