Former KP chief minister demands evidence for allegations against provincial lawmakers and questions the authority behind a reported party investigation.
PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Amin Gandapur has criticised party Secretary General Salman Akram Raja over remarks concerning provincial party leadership, insisting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lawmakers do not need loyalty certificates and challenging him to substantiate his allegations.
In a statement reported by Geo News on Wednesday, the former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister described Raja’s remarks as damaging to the party’s internal unity. He said political loyalty should be judged by years of struggle, sacrifices and practical contributions rather than by the assessments of individual party officials
Gandapur also demanded that Raja identify the people allegedly involved in attempts to influence provincial leadership decisions without the approval of PTI founder Imran Khan or the party’s political committee.
Gandapur demands evidence for alleged conspiracy
Responding to references to alleged conspiracies and undemocratic decision-making within the party, Gandapur challenged Raja to name those he believed were responsible.
He questioned allegations that some lawmakers had sought to determine the next provincial president or chief minister without the founder’s approval.
Gandapur also disputed claims concerning a group allegedly cutting contact with current Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and his team, arguing that serious accusations should be supported by evidence
The exchange highlights disagreements over party authority, provincial leadership and the handling of internal political matters.
Questions raised over reported party investigation
Gandapur questioned who had authorised the investigation referenced by Raja and which party forum was overseeing it.
He argued that if an investigation was underway, its authorisation and procedure should be made clear to party members.
He also raised questions about the reported appointment of Ali Asghar Khan as acting provincial president during the absence of PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar, asking whether a formal notification had been issued and who had approved the decision
Gandapur expressed support for Junaid Akbar, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Gandapur defends KP lawmakers’ record
The former chief minister maintained that PTI workers and elected representatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had continued to support Imran Khan despite arrests, violence and political difficulties following the May 9, 2023 events.
He said provincial party workers had contested the 2024 elections, defended what they regarded as their electoral mandate and continued political activity under difficult circumstances. These assertions reflect Gandapur’s account of the party’s record
He also questioned the contribution of some central party office-bearers during previous marches towards Islamabad, arguing that their participation and practical support should be examined.
PTI leadership faces questions over internal coordination
The public exchange comes amid reported disagreements among PTI leaders over organisational decisions and the direction of the party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Raja’s remarks and Gandapur’s response have brought questions about provincial appointments, internal accountability and the authority of party bodies into focus. However, the allegations exchanged by party figures should not be treated as independently established facts without further evidence.
The immediate question is whether the dispute will be addressed through the party’s formal decision-making structures or lead to further public disagreements among senior leaders.
