PTI rift widens as Junaid Akbar, CM Gandapur camps trade blame

PESHAWAR(National Times)- Tensions within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter deepened as a war of words erupted between the party’s provincial president, Junaid Akbar Khan, and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s spokesperson — exposing divisions within the party’s top ranks, The News reported. The rift began when Junaid Akbar accused the provincial government of undermining him and targeting his supporters. He alleged that development schemes linked to MPAs who organised rallies in his favour were cancelled and that the chief minister was actively working against him.  He also accused the government’s spokesperson and CM’s adviser on information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, of promoting an “establishment-driven narrative.” In a sharp rebuttal, Barrister Saif dismissed Junaid Akbar’s complaints, saying: “Junaid Akbar should stop whining and stay at home.” He suggested Akbar should resign from his role and make way for someone “competent” to lead PTI in the province. Speaking to this correspondent, Barrister Saif said he had met Imran Khan only on the PTI founder’s request and would respect his decision if told otherwise. He blamed Junaid Akbar for failing to fulfil the responsibilities assigned to him, claiming this was the root cause of his frustration. “Those who work don’t complain,” Saif said. “At a time when the party is going through a difficult phase, Junaid Akbar should support the leadership instead of crying and accusing others.” He added that if Akbar had issues with CM Gandapur, they should be resolved internally rather than through public criticism. “There’s no justification for attacking the chief minister,” he remarked. Saif also addressed wider political developments, dismissing PML-N leader Amir Muqam’s hopes that his brother, opposition leader Ibadullah Khan, would have become the CM in the last general elections. He insisted the provincial government faced no threat, and all MPAs were united in completing their constitutional term.



Latest News
Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan tomorrow: FO
UK PM Starmer announces resignation amid mounting pressure, says will give successor ‘full, unequivocal support’
KP police rescue foreign citizen, arrest her husband in Bara after allegations of domestic abuse
13 dead, dozens injured after ‘technical accident’ at giant Qatar LNG site
Pakistan will continue to play ‘honest, sincere role’ in advancing dialogue, says PM after US-Iran talks in Switzerland
India in talks to sell supersonic BrahMos missile to UAE, sources say
PIA to be handed over to new owners this month
Over 50 injured, 18 missing after ‘technical accident’ causes explosion at Qatar factory




Multi Media   
Pakistan Exposes India’s Human Rights Record in IIOJK at UNHRC
 Multi Media
2025 in Review: A Year of Impact and Progress in Brussels
 Multi Media
DPM-FM Senator Ishaq Dar’s High-Level Brussels Visit: Key Highlights
 Multi Media
Embassy of Pakistan 🇵🇰 in Brussels || Quarterly Recap of Activities, Engagements & Outreach
 Multi Media
DPM Dar sends Trump peace prize nomination to Nobel Committee