Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is facing growing internal tensions following the setbacks of its recent protest march, with senior leaders now exchanging accusations. The dispute has intensified calls for accountability and leadership changes as the party struggles with its latest political challenges.
The disagreement became public on Wednesday when PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur traded allegations over their commitment to the party.
Meanwhile, a woman parliamentarian from Peshawar also called for accountability over the protest march’s failure. The demonstration had raised expectations within the party but ended with further political difficulties.
The protest setback also preceded the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, creating additional challenges for PTI and its jailed founder, Imran Khan.
Why Salman Akram Raja Objected to Gandapur’s Nomination
The dispute escalated after reports emerged that a group of PTI lawmakers from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly had supported Gandapur’s nomination as acting provincial president.
The proposal sought to fill the position amid the absence of MNA Junaid Akbar, who has reportedly been missing since governor’s rule was imposed.
A handwritten resolution, addressed to interim party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, proposed Gandapur for the position.
The document described the former chief minister as “the right man for the right job” and stated that lawmakers had “unanimously” supported his nomination.
According to a participant, around 55 provincial lawmakers attended the October 14 meeting through Zoom and WhatsApp.
PTI Lawmakers Discuss Party Strategy and Leadership
The meeting covered several organisational and political concerns, reflecting the challenges confronting the party.
Its four-point agenda included party organisational matters, the status of negotiations with the government, plans for further protests and legal issues.
However, the proposal to immediately appoint Gandapur as acting provincial president became the meeting’s most contentious outcome.
Raja criticised the move, questioning the legitimacy of efforts to announce a new provincial president without the approval of Imran Khan or the party’s political committee.
He also took aim at what he described as “the narrative” surrounding a possible announcement by a group of party MPAs.
Furthermore, Raja put the number of alleged dissidents at 68, highlighting the scale of the internal disagreement.
Gandapur Demands Apology as PTI Faces Internal Pressure
The disagreement between Raja and Gandapur spilled onto X, formerly Twitter, where the two senior leaders exchanged accusations.
Gandapur reportedly demanded an apology from the secretary general over what he considered name-calling. Meanwhile, Raja’s objections centred on the proposed leadership change and its authorisation.
The confrontation has brought existing tensions within PTI’s core committee into public view, particularly over leadership decisions and the party’s political direction.
Additionally, calls for accountability have gained attention following the protest march’s disappointing outcome.
A woman parliamentarian from Peshawar echoed concerns within the party, demanding answers over the protest’s failure and its political consequences.
With disagreements over provincial leadership and protest strategy continuing, PTI faces mounting pressure to address internal divisions while navigating its broader political crisis.
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