On September 12, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), expressed his disapproval of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s inflammatory comments about journalists. During a rally in Islamabad on September 8, Gandapur disparaged the media, which Khan deemed “inappropriate.”

While addressing the public rally in Islamabad’s Sangjani area, Gandapur accused journalists of being “sellouts”. His comments were seen as a direct attack on the press and led to immediate backlash from journalists and rights organizations.

Imran Khan distanced himself from Gandapur’s speech in response, stating, “Ali Amin Gandapur went overboard in his remarks. He should not have spoken that way.” Khan acknowledged that the chief minister’s words were inappropriate but also praised the resilience of journalists working under pressure in Pakistan, describing their work as a form of “jihad.”

The controversy intensified when journalists boycotted both Senate and National Assembly sessions on September 9, demanding a direct apology from Gandapur. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan approached the journalists, accompanied by Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub, in an effort to offer an apology on behalf of the party. However, the journalist community continued to insist on a personal apology from Gandapur himself.

During an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail, Khan responded to their concerns, reiterating that Gandapur’s remarks were excessive and inappropriate. He again acknowledged the difficult circumstances under which journalists work but maintained that the chief minister had spoken out of turn.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) also expressed alarmed by the disrespectful and dangerous remarks made by CM Gandapur against journalists as such sweeping allegations undermine safety of journalists.