PTI rift intensifies

PESHAWAR: Rifts within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have intensified prompting the party leadership to instruct its senior members to refrain from issuing public statements.

PTI Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) Asad Qaisar, Shahram Khan Tarakai, and Atif Khan have demanded an inquiry into a recent statement made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Aleema Khan, Salman Akram Raja, and other central party leaders have reportedly stopped the three MNAs from making public statements and have decided to raise the issue directly with Imran Khan.

Speaking to this correspondent, Atif Khan said, “I have called for an investigation into the matter. We have the right to respond to Ali Amin Gandapur’s statement. However, Aleema Khan, Salman Akram Raja, and central leaders have asked us to refrain from issuing any statements.”

He added that the chief minister’s remarks could damage the PTI founder’s movement, and the ongoing efforts for his release should not be undermined. He urged Gandapur to focus on governance and avoid unnecessary statements, as these could harm both the party and the campaign for Imran Khan’s release.

Atif Khan also pointed out that the province is facing law and order challenges and multiple other issues that require attention, yet the chief minister has opened multiple fronts within the party. He further said that Aleema Khan, Salman Akram Raja, and the PTI leadership have assured them the issue will be presented to the party founder, and they will now wait for Imran Khan’s decision.

Meanwhile, Shahram Tarakai said such statements can damage the movement led by the PTI founder. “Our focus should be on the release of the PTI founder and the unjustly detained party members,” he said.

He emphasized that the chief minister should channel his energy towards restoring law and order and improving governance. Shahram added that the PTI core committee has reacted strongly to Ali Amin’s statements. “We also have the right to respond,” he said, “but internal divisions at this point will only hurt efforts for Imran Khan’s release.”