PTI leaders not behind May 9, inquiry can reveal truth: Ali Amin Gandapur

• Gandapur says he doesn't believe in confrontation with govt.
• Vows not to take revenge from any government official.
• Says he will try to reform system and not do vindictive politics. 

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s pick for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur once again reiterated that their party leaders had not planned the May 9 attacks and called for an inquiry which he believes would reveal the truth, reported The News on Monday.

Talking to senior journalists at the Speaker’s House in Peshawar, Gandapur said the PTI leaders did not plan the May 9 riots and questioned why the protesters were not stopped from attacking military installations.

“If the country can benefit from my arrest, then I am ready to be arrested. Peace and security in the province are my top priority,” said the PTI leader. He added that he would go beyond politics to fight for the rights of KP with all stakeholders.

“I don’t believe in confrontation with the federal government and would not take revenge from any government official because we have to move the province forward.” 

Gandapur further claimed: “I do not believe in political revenge. I will try to reform the system and not abuse or do vindictive politics. All institutions including the army and police are ours.”

The PTI’s candidate for chief minister emphasised that there was no room for political revenge in the province due to the damage done since the dissolution of the last provincial assembly. He claimed that the country and the province were financially weak and the law and order situation had also deteriorated.

“But those who take illegal actions should be given a chance to reform or action will be taken against them.”

Gandapur said that if the federal government wanted to arrest him. “Then don’t wait for me to come to Islamabad, arrest me immediately here, I am ready to be arrested from Peshawar.”

Gandapur reiterated his party’s stance that the May 9 incident was not done by PTI but was organised by others.

“If there is an inquiry, it will be proved who was behind it. No doubt, PTI workers were involved in the May 9 protest but they were peaceful. Why was the procession not stopped from going to military installations while those going to Rana Sanaullah’s house were stopped in Faisalabad,” he said.

The PTI leader said that on May 9, he was in Dera Ismail Khan but cases were registered against him in nine districts at the same time.

“How is it possible that I was everywhere. These are all fake FIRs,” he said adding that he was facing cases and will continue to do so.

The incoming KP chief minister said that negotiations are going on with various parties for political unity so that the PTI can get women and minority seats and strengthen the party’s position in the provincial assembly.

“It will be finalised in a day or two. However, the final decision has not been made yet.”

Gandapur said that the process of forming the cabinet has started and soon the recommendations will be sent to PTI founder Imran Khan.