Peshawar/Islamabad, October 21,2026: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur has challenged party Secretary General Salman Akram Raja to substantiate his allegations against party lawmakers, saying elected representatives from the province do not need “loyalty certificates” from anyone.
In a strongly worded statement, Gandapur described Raja’s recent remarks as “regrettable, irresponsible and damaging” to the party’s internal unity at a time when PTI was facing significant political challenges.
“This party belongs to Imran Khan. We do not need loyalty certificates from anyone, nor does anyone have the authority to pass judgements on our political loyalty or hand us certificates of treason,” Gandapur said.
He maintained that loyalty to the party should be assessed on the basis of years of struggle, sacrifices and practical contributions rather than the preferences of a few individuals.
Responding to Raja’s references to “undemocratic decision-makers” and an alleged conspiracy involving a group within the party, Gandapur demanded that he identify those allegedly involved.
“First, make it clear who these people are,” he said, questioning which lawmakers were accused of attempting to determine the provincial party president or the next chief minister without the approval of PTI founder Imran Khan or the party’s political committee.
“If you have evidence, name them,” Gandapur said.
He also challenged the basis of an allegation that a group of lawmakers had severed contact with former chief minister Sohail Afridi and his team, allegedly paving the way for emergency and governor’s rule in the province.
Gandapur questioned Raja’s reference to an investigation, asking who had ordered it and under which authorised party forum it was being conducted.
“If an investigation is under way, why does the party not know about it?” he asked.
He also expressed concern over the reported appointment of Ali Asghar Khan as acting provincial president during the absence of PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar, asking whether a formal notification had been issued and who had authorised the decision.
Referring to Junaid Akbar as “our brother”, Gandapur expressed prayers for his early recovery.
The former chief minister said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had consistently stood by Imran Khan, adding that party workers and elected representatives had endured arrests, violence and other hardships following the May 9 events without abandoning their leader or political ideology.
He said the same workers and representatives had secured victories in the 2024 general elections, defended their electoral mandate and continued to uphold the party’s flag despite difficult circumstances.
Gandapur also questioned the role of some central party office-bearers during repeated marches towards Islamabad, arguing that their presence and practical contributions during challenging occasions had fallen short of workers’ expectations.
“That too should be accounted for before the party,” he said.
His remarks underscore growing differences within PTI over internal decision-making, provincial leadership and allegations concerning the conduct and loyalty of party lawmakers.
