RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has replaced Ali Amin Gandapur with Junaid Akbar as the party’s provincial president for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This decision follows Akbar’s recent election as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a position he secured with bipartisan support.
The PAC is one of the most influential parliamentary bodies, holding the power to summon individuals and records for financial oversight. Junaid Akbar’s new appointment highlights PTI’s focus on strengthening its political structure in KP amid rising governance and security concerns.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja issued the notification of Akbar’s appointment, confirming Gandapur’s exit from the role. Raja revealed that Gandapur had requested to step down as KP president. Meanwhile, Imran Khan has urged Raja to assist in reorganizing PTI in Punjab to prepare for upcoming political challenges.
Sources indicate that Imran Khan advised Gandapur to step back from Dera Ismail Khan’s politics and shift focus to broader governance issues. Khan has also expressed concerns over corruption and administrative challenges in KP. Gandapur, a controversial figure, has faced criticism for his aggressive political style and polarizing statements, which have sometimes overshadowed PTI’s objectives in the province.
Imran Khan has tasked Junaid Akbar with addressing internal party issues in KP and ensuring the party is ready to tackle governance and security challenges. Akbar’s dual role as an MNA and PAC chairman is expected to give him significant leverage in dealing with political and administrative matters.
Notably, Akbar’s appointment aligns with parliamentary norms established in 2008, where the PAC chairmanship is traditionally given to the opposition. Akbar’s election is seen as a testament to his ability to build consensus across party lines, a trait PTI hopes to leverage in KP.
The decision to replace Gandapur reflects Imran Khan’s evolving strategy to focus on governance and reduce internal friction within the party. Gandapur’s tenure as PTI KP president was marked by controversies and political turbulence, often drawing criticism from both within and outside the party.
Imran Khan’s decision to remove Ali Amin Gandapur as PTI KP president signals a shift toward prioritizing governance and party discipline. Gandapur’s controversial past, including his fiery rhetoric and divisive politics, has often been a liability for PTI. By appointing Junaid Akbar, who has a reputation for building consensus, Khan appears to be steering the party toward a more pragmatic and results-driven approach in KP.
