PTI Groups Active in KP CM Race, Over 30 MPAs Reportedly Back Ali Amin Gandapur’s Return

PESHAWAR: Different groups within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have become active in the race to select the next chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with one group lobbying to bring back Ali Amin Gandapur as the province’s chief executive.

According to sources, consultations and political activities within PTI have intensified over the selection of a new chief minister, with differences of opinion reportedly emerging among several senior party leaders and provincial lawmakers.

Sources said some influential central leaders want a chief minister from Buner or the Hazara region, while more than 30 members of the provincial assembly are reportedly campaigning for Gandapur’s return to the office.

The selection could remain temporary if consultations with PTI founder Imran Khan are not held, sources added.

They said that until a meeting with the party founder takes place, the person selected by the parliamentary party will serve as chief minister. Most PTI lawmakers have reportedly created a separate WhatsApp group to coordinate their activities regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spokesperson Shaukat Yousafzai told Geo News that no decision had been made regarding the province’s next chief minister.

He said that if Sohail Afridi is disqualified, the party leadership will decide on a replacement through consultations.

Yousafzai added that Gandapur’s name had previously been proposed by the parliamentary party to represent the province.

He rejected reports of factionalism within PTI, saying that lawmakers had formed the WhatsApp group simply to maintain communication and coordination among themselves.