ISLAMABAD: PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur also blamed the sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan for fanning the rift with the government and delaying the release of Imran Khan from prison.
Gandapur revealed internal miscalculations obstructing efforts to secure the release of party founder Imran Khan. Speaking on ARY News programme “Khabar,” Gandapur discussed negotiations, internal divisions, and disagreements over strategy.
He raised concerns about disputes involving Aleema Khan and Salman Akram Raja, while stressing the need for unity during a critical phase. Gandapur criticised protest mobilisation outside Adiala Jail and questioned certain internal decisions. Although he said he respected Aleema Khan, he urged that Imran Khan be released so the founder could personally address party matters.
Gandapur revealed he appealed directly to Khan’s three sisters, urging them not to mislead the jailed leader about public mobilisation. He claimed he had “pleaded with folded hands” for unity and warned against exaggerating the scale of street support. According to him, portraying a revolutionary atmosphere could distort decision-making and prolong internal tensions.
Warnings over unity and succession
The former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister also questioned the effectiveness of repeated protest calls, asking how many supporters actually gathered during demonstrations outside Adiala Jail. He cautioned that internal rivalries and succession debates were weakening the party while its founder remained incarcerated and unwell.
Gandapur further said that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had made serious efforts during negotiations aimed at facilitating Imran Khan’s release. He added that his own meetings with Khan were limited, while others conveyed information that “did not reflect reality.”
He claimed some individuals had access to the PTI founder during key political moments, including Senate and budget discussions, sometimes when authorities required engagement. Gandapur insisted clarity and unity remained essential to advance efforts for the founder’s release.
