Junaid Akbar replaces Gandapur as KP PTI president

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former chairman Imran Khan on Saturday removed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from his position as the party’s provincial president and appointed Junaid Akbar as the new head of PTI in the province.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja made this announcement while speaking to the media outside Adiala jail, Rawalpindi, after a detailed meeting with the party’s supremo. Explaining the development, he emphasized that Ali Amin Gandapur, as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has significant responsibilities related to governance and law and order. Raja clarified that the decision to relieve Gandapur of the provincial presidency was made upon Gandapur’s request, allowing him to focus on addressing the challenges facing the province. The chief minister has faced criticism over the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly the ongoing unrest and violent incidents in Kurram and Parachinar.

Junaid Akbar, who has been appointed as the new PTI president for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was among those who met Imran Khan during the meeting.

During the lengthy discussion with Imran Khan, Raja said various issues were addressed, including ongoing negotiations with the government. “If our demands are not met, we will not participate in the January 28 session,” Raja quoted Khan as saying. He added the PTI founder stressed that the negotiations should not be seen as a sign of weakness.

“We have opened the door to dialogue. On February 8, our supporters came out in full force, and we mobilised everywhere, including Lahore. Our mandate was stolen, and we have also approached the courts on this matter,” Raja noted, quoting Imran Khan.

Khan reiterated that the party is engaged in a constitutional and legal battle while continuing its political struggle. “We will not back down from our demands under any circumstances,” he asserted.

Raja further stated that Imran Khan highlighted the party’s commitment to addressing the issue of missing persons and emphasised the need for a judicial commission. “They [the government] want to hide the truth. They lack the courage to face the facts we want to bring before the people, including the events of May 9, November 26, and February 8,” Raja claimed.

“They don’t want these issues to come to light, but we will persist in our struggle, both in the courts and on the political front,” he added.

When asked whether the party would reconsider its stance if the government agrees to form a commission despite the timeline having passed, Raja said, “If this happens, we will consult Imran Khan, who will decide the future course of action.” Regarding the show-cause notice issued to Sher Afzal Marwat, Raja said it would be resolved at the party level, adding that he had no direct involvement in the matter.