ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Swati has publicly declared his support for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, calling him the “PTI founder’s chief minister,” amid rising internal tensions within the party.
Swati stressed that for the country’s stability, those responsible for sowing discord must be silenced. His remarks came as new disagreements surfaced following controversial comments by Gandapur, intensifying rifts among PTI ranks.
In response, the party’s leadership reportedly directed senior members to refrain from making further public statements. PTI MNAs Asad Qaisar, Shahram Khan Tarakai, and Atif Khan have called for an official inquiry into Gandapur’s statements, which they believe could damage the party’s cause—especially the campaign for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Atif Khan emphasized that such remarks could undermine the party’s struggle and urged Gandapur to focus on governance instead. According to Atif, PTI leaders Aleema Khan and Salman Akram Raja have promised to escalate the issue to Imran directly, and the dissenting MNAs are now waiting for his response.
Echoing these sentiments, Shahram Tarakai insisted the priority should be the release of Imran and other detained PTI members. He added that Gandapur should prioritize restoring law and order rather than making divisive remarks. Tarakai confirmed that the party’s core committee has expressed concern over Gandapur’s comments, cautioning that further infighting could derail the party’s goals.
The controversy erupted after local media quoted Gandapur claiming he was engaged in talks with the establishment in a “personal capacity.” Reports also suggested that Imran, during a recent meeting at Adiala Jail, instructed Gandapur to resume communication with the establishment.
Swati Dispels Rumors, Clarifies Role
Azam Swati, while swearing on the Holy Quran, denied reports attributing false statements to him regarding Imran Khan. He clarified the details of his past communication attempts with the establishment, noting that in December 2022, Imran personally asked him to initiate dialogue with the military leadership.
Swati explained that he tried to make contact through multiple channels, including a teacher of the army chief and former president Arif Alvi, but those efforts did not succeed. According to Swati, Imran had always been open to dialogue if the other side showed willingness.
Swati also denied making any misleading statements and confirmed that Bushra Bibi was present during his meeting with Imran in jail. Reflecting on the state of the party, he admitted telling Imran: “Khan Sahib, you have khottay sikkay (counterfeit coins) in your pocket,” referencing unreliable individuals within PTI.
KP CM’s Spokesperson Rallies Support
Defending Gandapur, the KP chief minister’s spokesperson said Ali Amin had stood firm when others disappeared, portraying him as a trustworthy figure for the party and the public. The spokesperson highlighted Gandapur’s commitment during protests, especially his repeated appearances at D-Chowk when other leaders stayed silent.
He further noted Gandapur’s inclusive approach during elections, saying the CM awarded tickets to grassroots workers and overlooked the elite. According to the spokesperson, the PTI founder placed complete trust in Gandapur above all others.
Gandapur-Atif Rift Deepens
Amid these internal frictions, tensions between Atif Khan and Gandapur have also come to light. Sources suggest Gandapur opposed Atif’s recent appointment as PTI Peshawar region president. While most members congratulated Atif in a party WhatsApp group, Gandapur reportedly mocked the appointment.
Atif, in a statement to Geo News, declined to comment on Gandapur’s reaction. Sources close to the KP CM claim Atif was previously removed due to poor performance on Imran Khan’s orders but was later reinstated.
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