Raja, Gandapur clash over PTI leadership crisis

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is facing growing internal divisions following the failure of its recent protest march, with senior leaders exchanging

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is facing growing internal divisions following the failure of its recent protest march, with senior leaders exchanging accusations and questioning the party’s strategy and decision-making.

The differences became public on Wednesday when PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur reportedly clashed over the party’s handling of the protest. The dispute has also raised questions about leadership decisions and the party’s ability to overcome its current political difficulties.

According to party insiders, Raja criticised moves by KP lawmakers to nominate Gandapur as the party’s provincial president on an interim basis. Gandapur, in response, demanded an apology from the secretary general over what he described as inappropriate remarks.

The controversy follows an internal review of the protest campaign, which began with the announcement of a march on September 27. Several members of the party’s core committee reportedly questioned how the date was finalised and whether the wider leadership had been properly consulted.

During a lengthy committee meeting, participants discussed the planning and coordination of the march, as well as the lack of clarity surrounding its operational strategy. According to a party leader who spoke on condition of anonymity, several members said they had repeatedly sought details about the protest but had not received clear answers.

The meeting also examined the role of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in announcing the march. Party insiders said a meeting had been held in the province in August, where the proposed protest date was discussed. However, questions were later raised about whether the decision had received sufficient approval from the party’s political and core committees.

The absence of a clear contingency plan after Afridi’s reported detention also became a point of concern. Members reportedly questioned why the party could not mobilise a protest despite the arrests of more than 1,400 workers and leaders under public order laws.

Raja subsequently sought to downplay reports of divisions within the leadership. In a social media statement, he praised Afridi for remaining committed to PTI founder Imran Khan’s political ideology. He acknowledged, however, that the administrative arrangements for the march required a critical review.

The committee also discussed disagreements surrounding negotiations with the government and the party’s position on terrorism. Questions were raised about the handling of proposed talks and the reported conditions attached to a meeting with Imran Khan.

Some members reportedly opposed launching another protest march under the prevailing circumstances, while others called for renewed mobilisation. The discussions highlighted differences over the party’s immediate political direction.

PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram declined to comment when contacted about the reported disagreements.