Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has reportedly reprimanded Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur over corruption and poor governance allegations.
Geo News, a local Pakistani channel, reported that Khan urged Gandapur to address these issues promptly during a Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail meeting.
In a significant move, Junaid Akbar, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has replaced Gandapur as the PTI’s provincial president. Akbar and senior leader Atif Khan had previously supported former KP minister Shakeel Ahmad Khan, who resigned last year over alleged corruption and governance issues.
Reports suggest a non-political female figure with significant influence within the party played a key role in replacing Gandapur. This individual reportedly clashed with Gandapur over the party’s Islamabad protest in November 2024.
Read: Junaid Akbar Appointed as PTI President for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of protests in KP following the arrest of his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the £190 million case. Bushra Bibi, who was out on bail, was taken into custody on January 17 after the couple’s conviction.
Khan directed Gandapur to consult with Atif Khan and other party leaders on government matters. He emphasized the need for good governance and warned against prioritizing personal relationships, such as Gandapur’s interactions with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
PTI Internal Party Turmoil
A faction within the PTI, including Atif Khan, Junaid Akbar, and Shahram Khan Tarakai, has raised concerns about bad governance and party-related issues. This group, which previously opposed former KP CM Mahmood Khan, is reportedly active against Gandapur.
During a recent meeting with Atif Khan, Junaid Akbar, and Shah Farman, Imran Khan tasked the group with investigating and reporting on alleged corruption in KP.
Despite the criticism, senior PTI leaders confirmed no discussion about replacing Gandapur as KP’s Chief Minister. However, Khan has sought recommendations for the PTI’s provincial leadership, and Junaid Akbar’s appointment as provincial president has already been approved.
