Collision Course: PTI’s “Do or Die” Protest Reveals Deep Cracks as Public Fury Mounts in KP
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has declared a "do or die" nationwide protest, a high-stakes gamble aimed at securing founder Imran Khan's release.1 Yet, this aggressive call to action, spearheaded by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, has immediately backfired, exposing alarming fractures within the party's leadership and colliding head-on with a tsunami of public discontent in its own provincial stronghold.
While PTI's leadership grapples with internal confusion over protest plans, a bombshell Gallup survey reveals the grim reality on the ground: the people of KP are profoundly dissatisfied with their government's performance. Citing rampant corruption, a severe lack of basic necessities, and a justice system in crisis, the very voters who form PTI's core support base appear more concerned with governance than political agitation.
A Party Divided: Gandapur's "Do or Die" Call Meets Internal Skepticism
The latest political saga kicked off with a fiery announcement from KP's top leader, setting a confrontational tone that was immediately questioned from within his own party ranks. This has created a confusing and contradictory narrative, signaling a significant lack of coordination at the top.
The 90-Day Ultimatum for Imran Khan's Release
Ali Amin Gandapur has drawn a line in the sand. He announced a nationwide campaign set to intensify over the next 90 days, culminating on August 5th—the day Imran Khan will have completed two years in prison. Describing it as a "do or die" effort, Gandapur made it clear that the movement's primary objective is the release of the party's founder.
In his address, Gandapur asserted that Imran Khan remains the ultimate decision-maker and, despite the "atrocities" against him, is still willing to engage in dialogue for Pakistan's sake. This sets up a dual narrative of both confrontation and potential negotiation, leaving many to wonder about the true strategy.
Expert Quote: "When a political movement's leadership appears uncoordinated, it risks losing momentum before it even begins. Clear, unified messaging is crucial for mobilizing a base and presenting a credible challenge." - Dr. Hassan Askari Rizvi, Political Analyst.
"Will Someone Shed Light on This?": Alia Hamza's Public Questions
The ink on Gandapur's announcement was barely dry when signs of internal dissent emerged. Alia Hamza, PTI's Chief Organizer in Punjab, took to social media with a series of pointed questions that laid bare the party's strategic disarray.
"Will someone shed light on this?" she asked, questioning the newly announced "90-day plan" and contrasting it with the previously mentioned August 5th deadline. Her queries were direct and telling:
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What specific course of action has been decided for the founder's release?
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Where and how will this protest movement be launched and executed?
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What is the origin of this "90-day plan"?
These are not minor logistical questions; they strike at the heart of the movement's strategy and leadership. For a high-ranking official like Alia Hamza to publicly seek such fundamental clarifications suggests a significant communication breakdown or a deeper internal power struggle.
ویسے تو میرے تک پہنچنے والی کچھ اطلاعات کے مطابق میں پچھلےدو دن سے بہت مصروف تھی 🫣
— Aliya Hamza Malik (@aliya_hamza) July 13, 2025
ایسی مصروفیات جن کا شاید مجھے بھی عمل نہیں تھا!
کیا کوئی روشنی ڈالے گا؟
وزیراعظم خان کی رہائی کے لیے کس لائحہ عمل کا کل یا آج اعلان ہوا ہے؟
تحریک کہاں سے اور کیسے چلے گی؟
5اگست کے مقابلے میں 90…
A Scathing Critique of State Institutions
Adding fuel to the fire, Gandapur launched a blistering attack on Pakistan's state institutions. He accused them of abandoning their constitutional duties to meddle in politics, claiming they are responsible for making, running, and toppling governments
"The most politics in Pakistan is being done by the state institutions," Gandapur claimed, linking this alleged interference to a rise in terrorism and worsening security, particularly in KP and Balochistan. He argued that a "few wrong decisions" are tarnishing the army's reputation, a bold and direct accusation that significantly raises the political stakes.
The Government Draws a Red Line: Warnings of "Strict Legal Action"
The federal and Punjab governments have responded to PTI's aggressive posturing with an iron fist, promising severe consequences for any attempts to disrupt public order and challenging Gandapur to focus on his gubernatorial duties.
Azma Bukhari's Stern Rebuttal
Punjab's Information Minister, Azma Bukhari, issued a direct and unambiguous warning to Ali Amin Gandapur.3 She stated that the government will take "strict legal action" if he attempts to bring "armed elements" or "spread chaos" into her province.
Bukhari condemned what she called PTI's "violent history" and challenged Gandapur to prioritize the needs of his people. She pointedly contrasted his focus on protests with the Punjab government's initiatives, such as sanitation projects in Peshawar and student scholarships, effectively daring him to compete on the grounds of governance, not agitation.
The Battle of Narratives: "Enemies of the State" vs. "Stolen Mandate"
The war of words has escalated into a full-blown battle of narratives. Bukhari strongly denounced a "deep fake" campaign targeting the Army Chief, attributing it to "enemies of the state"—a thinly veiled jab at PTI's social media supporters.
Meanwhile, PTI continues to hammer its own narrative of victimhood and repression. Gandapur reiterated claims that his party's mandate was stolen in the February 8th elections and that they have faced "fascist" tactics since the May 9th events. This clash of narratives—state saboteurs versus oppressed democrats—defines the current polarized political landscape.
The Elephant in the Room: Widespread Public Fury in KP
While the political theater unfolds in press conferences and on social media, a far more significant story is emerging from the streets of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A comprehensive Gallup survey, conducted between February and March 2025 with 3,000 face-to-face interviews, paints a devastating picture of public dissatisfaction.
This isn't just data; it's the voice of the people, and it tells a story that directly contradicts the priorities of PTI's current leadership.
A Failing Grade on Basic Needs: The Energy and Services Crisis
Imagine two out of every three households struggling through another winter without gas for heating or cooking. That's the stark reality for the 66% of KP residents who have no access to gas. The energy crisis doesn't stop there; 49% face severe electricity shortages or poor supply.
The decay in public infrastructure is just as alarming:
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77% of people lack access to public parks.
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81% have no local library.
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70% of youth have no community centers for constructive activities.
These numbers represent a fundamental failure to provide a basic quality of life, a failure that directly impacts families every single day. While the government may point to past achievements in road infrastructure, the public's current experience is one of neglect.
"Lost to Corruption": The Pervasive Belief in Misappropriated Funds
Perhaps the most damning finding is the crisis of trust. A staggering 52% of the KP populace believes that development funds have been lost to corruption.
This perception is so strong that 71% of the public, including a majority (62%) of PTI's own voters, are demanding a transparent inquiry into the province's mega projects. To make matters worse, when asked to compare, 40% of respondents said they believe corruption is more rampant in KP than in Punjab.
This data suggests that the government's narrative of clean governance has crumbled. The very people who elected PTI are now leading the call for accountability.
Economic Anxiety and a Faltering Justice System
The survey reveals deep-seated economic and security fears:
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Unemployment: A concerning 59% of residents report that unemployment is on the rise.
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Nepotism: There is a widespread belief that government jobs are handed out based on connections, not merit.
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Fear of Terrorism: The threat of terrorism remains a palpable fear for 57% of the population.
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Judicial Delays: A significant 70% are frustrated by the long delays in receiving judicial decisions.
Interestingly, while faith in the formal justice system is low, 84% of people find the traditional Jirga system to be effective, pointing to a desire for swift, community-based conflict resolution. In a rare positive note for state institutions, the police force received a nod of approval, with 58% commending their performance.
The People's Verdict: Shifting Political Tides
The Gallup survey didn't just measure satisfaction with services; it gauged political opinions, and the results are a direct rebuke of Gandapur's confrontational strategy.
A Surprising Turn on Protests, Social Media, and Federal Relations
In a stunning contradiction to PTI's current direction:
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85% of respondents want the provincial government to improve cooperation with the federal government, not fight with it.
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60% believe the KP government is wasting time on protests instead of focusing on governance.
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53% are personally opposed to participating in any form of protest.
Even more shocking, in an era defined by digital activism, 80% of the KP population supports a ban on social media, likely due to a desire for stability and an end to toxic political discourse.
Maryam Nawaz vs. Ali Amin Gandapur: A Shocking Poll Result
In a head-to-head leadership comparison, the survey delivered a political earthquake. Fifty percent (50%) of the KP public rated Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz as a better leader than their own Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur.
This wasn't just a sentiment among political opponents. This view was shared by 37% of PTI's own voters, a devastating statistic that indicates Gandapur's hardline approach may be alienating even his core base.
FAQ: Understanding the Political Crisis in KP
Q1: What is PTI's "Do or Die" movement about?
It is a nationwide protest announced by KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur, set to intensify over 90 days. Its stated primary goal is to secure the release of PTI founder Imran Khan by August 5th, 2025.
Q2: Why is there evidence of internal conflict within PTI?
PTI Punjab's Chief Organizer, Alia Hamza, publicly questioned the protest's strategy, timing, and execution plan moments after it was announced by Gandapur. This suggests a major lack of coordination and potential disagreement over the party's direction.
Q3: What are the main complaints of the people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
According to a recent Gallup survey, residents are primarily dissatisfied with the lack of basic services (gas, electricity), rampant corruption, rising unemployment, and delays in the justice system. A majority feel the government should focus on governance, not protests.
Q4: How has the government responded to PTI's protest announcement?
The government, particularly through Punjab's Information Minister Azma Bukhari, has issued stern warnings. They have threatened strict legal action against any attempts to create chaos and have challenged the KP government to focus on serving its people instead of engaging in protest politics.
Summary: A Crossroads for PTI
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf stands at a perilous crossroads. On one hand, it is launching a high-stakes, nationwide protest under the fiery leadership of Ali Amin Gandapur, a move designed to energize its base and pressure the state. On the other hand, this very strategy is being undermined from within by strategic confusion and, more importantly, is fundamentally disconnected from the expressed needs of its voters.
The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have delivered a clear verdict through the Gallup survey: they are tired. They are tired of corruption, of energy shortages, of unemployment, and of political battles that do little to improve their daily lives. Their overwhelming desire is for cooperation, governance, and stability, not confrontation. The coming weeks will determine whether PTI can bridge this dangerous gap between its political strategy and the will of its people, or if its "do or die" movement will lead the party further down a path of internal decay and public alienation.