Kundi says court, not protests, can free Imran Khan

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan will face punishment for what he did, and that his release cannot come through protest marches.

The governor’s comments were made during a media interaction in Peshawar. They come amid a wider political stalemate over the PTI founder’s detention, with the party's leadership pushing for a march on Islamabad.

The remarks follow continuing calls by PTI supporters for marches on Islamabad demanding the release of the former prime minister, who has been detained in multiple cases.

Speaking to reporters, Kundi said if Islamabad had not sentenced Imran Khan, there would be no reason for a march towards the capital. “Imran Khan’s release is only possible through the courts, not through protests,” he said. He did not specify which court could order the release, but said any release must come through judicial process.

The governor said Pakistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular, urgently needed peace. He said funerals of martyrs were being held late at night, adding, “We are carrying the coffins of martyrs while the provincial government is marching on Islamabad.”

Kundi acknowledged that holding protests was a constitutional right, but warned that having a prior intention to confront authorities could be dangerous. He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were facing insecurity and urged the provincial government to protect its citizens instead of marching on the capital.

The governor also said he had never seen any PTI leader attend a military funeral. He alleged that the party had opened a “shop of corruption” in Imran Khan’s name. Kundi said he did not want Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be shut down, as the province was already facing terrorism.

In a separate development, a rights group has urged Pakistan to immediately release Imran Khan’s sisters and PTI workers, according to Clarion India. The outlet’s report did not name the group or provide further details.