Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Law Minister Aftab Alam has rejected claims of a decision regarding the nomination of the provincial Chief Minister (CM) or a change in the provincial party president during a meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party.
In a post on X, Aftab Alam responded to PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja’s recent statement about an alleged group of 68 KP Assembly members planning to announce a new provincial president and a candidate for the next CM without the approval of party founder Imran Khan and the party’s Political Committee.
What did Aftab Alam say?
Alam said that he was saddened by Raja’s statement. He urged him to verify facts and consult the provincial parliamentary party before commenting publicly on sensitive party matters.
He clarified that no decision was made during the meeting regarding the nomination of the CM, a change in the provincial president, or any other party office.
According to Alam, the only unanimous decision was to ensure proper representation of the KP parliamentary party in any possible negotiations with the federal government, opposition, or establishment.
‘Barrister Gohar had been formally invited’
He added that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had been formally invited to the meeting, taken into confidence, and consulted about its scheduling.
He said the meeting should therefore be viewed as an action taken with the knowledge and consultation of the party leadership.
The KP law minister said the decision was made because the provincial parliamentary party had not been properly consulted during previous negotiations. As a result, he added, the province’s position and interests could not be effectively represented, leading to political losses.
Alam said the parliamentary party had unanimously decided to ensure its participation in future negotiations to protect the rights of KP, the public mandate, and the province’s interests.
He stressed that the decision was about representation in negotiations and had nothing to do with the nomination of CM Sohail Afridi or a change in the provincial party president.
‘Contact provincial parliamentary party, relevant leadership to verify facts’
Alam also urged Raja to contact the provincial parliamentary party and relevant leadership directly before making public statements about sensitive matters.
He said that differences should be addressed through consultation and mutual trust to avoid confusion within the party.
He added that PTI’s strength lies in Imran Khan’s leadership, the sacrifices of party workers, and public trust.
He called for unity to protect the province’s public mandate and rights in line with Imran Khan’s vision.
What had Salman Akram Raja said?
Earlier, Salman Akram Raja said an attack was being made on internal consensus within PTI through what he described as undemocratic decision-making.
Raja claimed that a narrative was being spread that 68 KP Assembly members would announce a provincial president and a candidate for the next CM without Imran Khan’s permission or the approval of the party’s Political Committee.
He also said allegations had been made that the group had cut off contact with CM Sohail Afridi and his team in the final days, potentially paving the way for state coercion, an emergency, or governor’s rule.
Raja urged party members not to believe such claims until investigations were completed.
He maintained that Junaid Akbar remained the constitutionally appointed PTI president in KP, following his appointment by Imran Khan, while provincial General Secretary Ali Asghar Khan was acting president in his absence.
He further said Sohail Afridi remained the chief minister in accordance with the law and the Constitution.
Raja ended his statement by expressing confidence that those spreading doubts within the party would be defeated.
