ISLAMABAD — A fresh internal rift within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has come to the surface after former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur demanded an apology from the party’s Secretary General, Salman Akram Raja, over his remarks about alleged undemocratic decision-makers and a conspiracy said to be operating inside the party.
Gandapur Seeks Names and Evidence
Gandapur questioned Raja’s statement regarding alleged undemocratic decision-makers and an internal conspiracy, asking him to identify the individuals involved and to clarify the basis for his allegations. He also asked which members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly were allegedly seeking to decide the provincial party president and the next chief minister without the approval of the party’s political committee.
Raising further questions about the appointment of Ali Asghar Khan as acting provincial president in the absence of Junaid Akbar, Gandapur asked whether an official notification had been issued and who had authorised the decision.
Call for Transparent Review
Gandapur stressed the need for a transparent review of the party leadership’s performance, decisions and responsibilities, saying the KP parliamentary party wanted to resolve the ongoing crisis through constitutional and political consultation. He further questioned the authority of a few individuals to label elected representatives as traitors, calling for clarity and accountability amid the party’s internal disagreements.
Raja Alleges Undemocratic Influence
Salman Akram Raja had alleged that undemocratic decision-makers were undermining PTI’s internal consensus. He said a narrative was being circulated that a group of 68 members of the KP Assembly was preparing to announce candidates for the provincial party presidency and the office of chief minister.
According to Raja, the same group was also being blamed for paving the way for the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule in the province. He maintained that Ali Asghar Khan was serving as acting provincial president in Junaid Akbar’s absence. Raja also used strong language against those he described as “snakes and spies,” saying they would be defeated.
Growing Fault Lines
- The exchange highlights growing differences within PTI over internal decision-making and leadership appointments.
- It also exposes divisions over the political direction of the party’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa parliamentary party.
- Both sides are pressing for accountability and clarity as the dispute remains unresolved.
