Our Correspondent
Dera Ismail Khan: In a surprising turn of events, social activist and member of the Peace Committee Shahid Raj, who recently participated in the All Parties Peace Conference in Dera Ismail Khan, faced backlash after criticizing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur—only to retract his statements the very next day.
During the APC, Shahid Raj openly criticized the CM in his speech. However, in a video released on social media the following day, he expressed “regret” over his remarks, apologized to the Chief Minister, and praised him as a respected political figure of the region.
The abrupt reversal triggered widespread criticism online. Social media users accused the PTI-led KP government of using influence to suppress dissent, despite the party’s vocal stance on freedom of speech in other provinces like Punjab. Others argued that individuals unwilling to stand by their words should refrain from making bold public statements.
