Imran Khan Demands Halt to Military Operations in KP Amid Crises

Lahore, Sep 3 (PTI) Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, has demanded an “immediate halt” to military operations targeting the populace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which is governed by his political party. Khan criticized the federal government's actions, carried out under the National Action Plan, aimed at militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—one of Pakistan's provinces most affected by militancy. He urged for an immediate cessation of military operations and drone strikes against the region’s own people, insisting that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the provincial authorities should actively oppose these measures. Khan remarked on the severe impact of floods in the region, emphasizing that additional military actions would exacerbate the distress. Since June 26, when monsoon rains began, the province has seen over 480 fatalities, with millions affected by torrential downpours. Despite Khan's repeated calls to resist military actions, this is not the first instance of such demands by him or his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Security forces launched NAP operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in late July. Pakistan's Minister of State for the Interior, Talal Chaudhry, declared last month that operations under the National Action Plan would proceed despite PTI's protests. “There will be no new operations, but ongoing measures under NAP in KP are unstoppable,” he stated, directing his comments at Khan's PTI-led provincial government. Imran Khan, a 72-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician, has been incarcerated since August 2023 due to various charges against him. Through his post on X, he lamented over enduring oppression and coercion while advocating for dialogue in the national interest against such political acts of vengeance. “Our people were targeted with gunfire, and even our Parliamentary Opposition Leader faced disqualification. There is no room for dialogue under these circumstances. They may imprison me or any family member they choose, but I will neither retreat from my beliefs nor bow to them,” he declared, referring to the formidable military establishment led by Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir. In his extensive post, he also urged party members to engage in ongoing rescue and aid activities amidst the catastrophic flooding in the nation and highlighted environmental conservation efforts undertaken during his tenure as Prime Minister.

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