ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI leader Hammad Azhar exchanged heated rebukes during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s political committee meeting held at an undisclosed location on Monday.
According to sources, Gandapur emphasised postponing the planned protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on October 15, while Hammad Azhar insisted on holding the protest during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
Gandapur reportedly criticized Azhar, saying, “You are in hiding but are asking workers to come out. I came to Islamabad twice, but the party leadership from Punjab was absent. My assembly members have been arrested, and the party workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also need to be protected.”
In response, Azhar retorted, “Don’t throw accusations. I will lead the protest from Punjab.”
Sources revealed that Gandapur fired back, questioning, “How will you lead the workers when you are in hiding yourself? The KP machinery has been seized by the federal government, and several government employees have been arrested.”
Azhar then urged Gandapur to maintain decorum, stating, “Your tone should be political, ethical, and civilized. If there is disagreement, avoid using derogatory language.”
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According to sources, senior leadership present at the meeting intervened to de-escalate the situation between Azhar and Gandapur.
Finally, the PTI political committee agreed to postponing the protest at D-Chowk on October 15 with majority of members opposing the protest.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, when asked about the incident, commented, “I don’t wish to give any opinion on this matter. What concerns me is how internal details from party meetings are being leaked. Every party has differences of opinion, and yes, everyone is entitled to express his opinion.”