Intra-party conflict has intensified in PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a heated exchange erupted between provincial president Junaid Akbar Khan and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s spokesperson. The internal friction has laid bare deep divisions within the party’s provincial leadership, according to a report.
The rift emerged when Junaid Akbar accused the provincial government of sidelining him. He alleged that development projects tied to MPAs who supported him were deliberately scrapped. He claimed the chief minister was working against him and targeting his political allies.
Junaid Akbar also pointed fingers at Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, the government’s spokesperson and CM’s adviser on information. He accused Saif of pushing a narrative influenced by the establishment. The tensions within PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa appear to be worsening with no signs of reconciliation.
Barrister Saif hit back strongly. He dismissed Akbar’s complaints and said, “Junaid Akbar should stop whining and stay home.” He went further, suggesting Akbar should resign and let a capable leader take charge of PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Speaking to the media, Saif clarified that he had met Imran Khan only at the founder’s request. He stated that if Imran Khan asked him to step back, he would gladly accept the decision. According to Saif, the real issue was Akbar’s failure to deliver on his responsibilities.
“Those who perform don’t complain,” Saif asserted. He added that the party is going through tough times and Akbar should stand by the leadership rather than engage in public criticism. “Attacking the chief minister publicly is unjustified,” he said.
Saif also commented on broader political issues. He dismissed PML-N leader Amir Muqam’s hopes of seeing his brother, Ibadullah Khan, become the chief minister. He reaffirmed that the PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was secure and united. According to him, all MPAs are fully committed to completing their constitutional term.
The ongoing spat within PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlights growing unrest in the party’s internal ranks. With both sides refusing to back down, the leadership crisis in the province could further damage PTI’s standing.