Gandapur’s removal not linked to Aleema Khan; no rift within party: PTI chief

Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has denied reports suggesting that the removal of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was linked to Aleema Khan, the sister of party founder Imran Khan, asserting that there is no grouping or internal division within the party.

Speaking to reporters outside the KP House in Islamabad, Barrister Gohar said the decision to change the provincial leadership was made by the PTI founder himself.

“If there is any change in a provincial government or a major political development, it is done under the direct instructions of the PTI founder,” he said.

He emphasized that Imran Khan’s directives are clear — all major political and administrative decisions must be made with the party chairman’s approval.

“We have received his directions, and every step we take is in consultation with him,” he added.

Barrister Gohar said the PTI founder wishes that the government functions strictly in line with constitutional norms.

Referring to Article 130(8) of the Constitution, he clarified that a chief minister’s resignation is submitted to the governor, and he himself is not authorized to accept or reject it.

“Khan sahib has also instructed that any change must be carried out constitutionally,” he noted.

He further stated that he is personally supervising all developments and that no move will be made without Imran Khan’s approval.

“In politics, minor lapses may occur, and criticism is part of the process, but Khan sahib has directed that every decision be made through consultation and fully implemented,” Gohar said.

The PTI chairman added that all party members have been consulted and stand united under the founder’s leadership.

“There is no forward bloc in PTI. Every worker in the party comes from the grassroots. Our two-thirds majority in KP remains intact,” he maintained.

Barrister Gohar also praised Ali Amin Gandapur’s services, saying his contributions will always be remembered.

“The province will continue to progress according to the founder’s vision, and we will perform our duties as per his guidance,” he said.

Rejecting media reports, he clarified: “Ali Amin Gandapur’s removal has nothing to do with Aleema Khan. PTI has consistently opposed any operations that lead to displacement of citizens. The provincial government never permitted such actions. Gandapur played an exemplary role.”

He reiterated that there is no factionalism in PTI, and that Imran Khan’s sisters have no political role within the party.