PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has accused Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, of creating divisions within the party.
In a video message released after meeting Imran Khan in jail, Gandapur said he informed the PTI founder about “a major rift” within the party. He claimed that campaigns were being run to make Aleema Khan the chairperson, causing disillusionment and factionalism among party members.
“Aleema Khan is distracting the party with unnecessary issues, while no concrete efforts are being made for Imran Khan’s release,” he stated.
’Post-May 9 Unfairness’
Gandapur alleged that many leaders and workers were not even present during the May 9 incidents but were still punished, while Aleema Khan’s son was granted bail within three days of his arrest. “The institutions are trying to weaken us, and someone is deliberately or under compulsion helping them,” he claimed.
Objection to ’PM Aleema Khan’ Campaign
He pointed to columns by journalist Hafeezullah Niazi and social media campaigns pushing the idea of “Prime Minister Aleema Khan,” saying these were deepening divisions. “I told Imran Khan clearly: if you name her as chairperson, we will accept, but such campaigns are damaging the party.”
’Minus Imran Khan Not Possible’
The KP chief minister emphasized that “minus Imran Khan” was neither anyone’s plan nor within anyone’s capacity.
On the recent resignations of cabinet members Faisal Tarakai and Aqib Khan, he said these were routine administrative matters and that both ministers were consulted beforehand.
Clear Stand on Palestine
Concluding his video message, Gandapur reiterated: “We will never recognize Israel. Our stance is clear — we stand with the people of Palestine.”
