Alleged audio leak deepens PTI rift in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

PESHAWAR: An alleged audio recording attributed to PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar has sparked a fresh controversy involving former governor and senior party leader Shah Farman.

In the purported recording, Junaid Akbar is heard making several allegations against Shah Farman. He reportedly said that Malakand had received the lowest share of development funds.

Junaid Akbar also claimed that he had never sought any favour for himself or his relatives. He said he had also never been involved in seeking transfers or postings.

The PTI provincial president further alleged that Shah Farman had secured a party ticket for his brother. He also accused the former governor of relying on a contractor to meet his expenses.

Junaid Akbar additionally alleged that Shah Farman had discussed receiving Rs1 billion from a person with former provincial minister Shakil Khan. He claimed the amount was allegedly to be divided equally between them.

He said seeking money or personal favours was not his way of working.

Shah Farman has rejected the allegations and questioned their credibility. He said Junaid Akbar should concentrate on the responsibilities entrusted to him instead of making allegations against other party leaders.

Shah Farman also said that PTI founder Imran Khan had expressed confidence in him by appointing him to the party’s accountability committee.

Defending his record as governor, Shah Farman claimed that he had deposited millions of rupees into the public exchequer during his tenure.

The alleged recording has not been independently verified, and the claims made in it remain allegations.