Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), appointed Junaid Akbar as the party’s president for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday. This appointment followed shortly after Akbar’s election as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), supported by opposition and government members.
The PAC, recognized as a powerful parliamentary body, is authorised to summon individuals and records from government departments concerning financial issues.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja announced Akbar’s appointment, replacing Ali Amin Gandapur, currently serving as the province’s chief minister. Additionally, Khan has tasked Raja with consulting on the party’s reorganization in Punjab.
Gandapur reportedly desired to step down as the party’s provincial president, focusing more on addressing terrorism and governance issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Imran Khan, whose party governs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has raised concerns about corruption within the province. These sources also noted that Khan instructed Gandapur to distance himself from Dera Ismail Khan’s politics.
In a recent meeting, Khan engaged in an extended discussion with Akbar and Atif Khan on various issues. Additionally, Akbar has been tasked with addressing and resolving party matters within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Akbar, also a Member of the National Assembly (MNA), assumed the role of PAC chairman, which had been vacant since the government’s formation following the February 2024 elections. According to parliamentary norms established post-2008 elections, the PAC chair is traditionally held by a member of the opposition, a practice that continues today.
