PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur has criticised party Secretary General Salman Akram Raja over his recent remarks about provincial lawmakers.
Gandapur said KP lawmakers needed no “loyalty certificates” from anyone. He also demanded that Raja provide evidence to support his allegations.
In a strongly worded statement, Gandapur called Raja’s remarks “regrettable, irresponsible and damaging” to the party’s unity, particularly amid its ongoing political challenges.
“This party belongs to Imran Khan. We do not need loyalty certificates from anyone, nor does anyone have the authority to pass judgements on our political loyalty or hand us certificates of treason,” Gandapur said.
He added that the party should judge loyalty through years of struggle, sacrifices and practical contributions rather than the preferences of a few individuals.
Gandapur Demands Evidence
Gandapur also challenged Raja to identify the people he had referred to as “undemocratic decision-makers” and those allegedly involved in a conspiracy.
“First, make it clear who these people are,” he said.
He asked which lawmakers allegedly wanted to select the provincial president or the next chief minister without the approval of PTI founder Imran Khan or the party’s political committee.
“If you have evidence, name them,” Gandapur said.
He also questioned an allegation that a group had cut off contact with former KP chief minister Sohail Afridi and his team, allegedly paving the way for an emergency and governor’s rule.
Questions Raised Over Party Investigation
Gandapur challenged Raja’s reference to an investigation and asked who had ordered it and which authorised party forum was conducting it.
“If an investigation is under way, why does the party not know about it?” he asked.
He also expressed support for PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar, whom he described as “our brother”, and said the party was praying for his speedy recovery.
Gandapur questioned the reported appointment of Ali Asghar Khan as acting provincial president during Akbar’s absence. He asked where the formal notification was and who had authorised the appointment.
Gandapur Defends KP Workers
Gandapur said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had consistently stood with Imran Khan. He added that party workers and elected representatives had endured arrests, violence and severe hardships after May 9 without abandoning their leader or political ideology.
He said the same workers and representatives had won the 2024 general elections, defended their mandate and continued to raise the party flag despite difficult circumstances.
The former chief minister also questioned the role of some central party office-bearers during repeated marches towards Islamabad. He said their presence and practical contributions during difficult moments had fallen short of workers’ expectations.
“That too should be accounted for before the party,” Gandapur said.
