KP CM’s Growing Pressure Over Budget Disagreement and Family Tensions

Peshawar:Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has been under intense pressure from his party and workers in recent days following controversial remarks made by Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan. In her media statement, Aleema Khan referred to the passage of the provincial budget as a “minus Imran Khan” decision, sparking a wave of internal dissent within the party.

Following Aleema Khan’s remarks, key party figures, including Taimur Saleem Jhagra, voiced opposition to the budget’s passage. Aleema Khan had revealed that Imran Khan had expressed concerns over the surplus budget and rejected it, citing lack of consultation.

This is not the first time tensions have emerged between Aleema Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur. In the past, Aleema Khan has openly criticized both Ali Amin and other party leaders.

**”Aleema Khan Is Non-Political and Doesn’t Understand the Dynamics”**
Senior journalist and analyst, Tariq Waheed, weighed in on the ongoing family rift, noting that disagreements and public remarks between Imran Khan’s sisters and party members were not a new phenomenon. Tariq explained that Aleema Khan is not a political figure and, therefore, fails to view matters from a political perspective. According to him, Aleema Khan believes that people within the party are benefiting from her brother Imran Khan’s name while he is imprisoned.

Tariq further highlighted the issue of personal interests, stating that in a province where PTI is in power, everyone wants to benefit from the situation. “Sometimes, even if no benefits are derived, tensions still arise,” he added.

**”Ali Amin Gandapur is a Strong Political Decision Maker”**
Tariq Waheed also praised Ali Amin Gandapur’s political acumen and decision-making skills. He explained that political disagreements arise when there is a lack of understanding of the broader situation. Waheed pointed out that even First Lady Bushra Bibi had differences with Ali Amin Gandapur, especially during the Islamabad March, where Gandapur opposed some of her demands, leading to a deterioration in their relationship.

He mentioned that Aleema Khan views these matters from a woman’s perspective rather than a political one. “She believes everything is going wrong because she doesn’t look at it politically,” he said.

**”Aleema Khan’s Influence Beyond Party Politics”**
Despite not holding an official position in the party, Aleema Khan has significant influence within PTI circles, according to some party insiders. One PTI leader stated that Aleema Khan speaks out on political issues, often criticizing central leadership, and her words are taken seriously by workers. “Ali Amin Gandapur is under pressure following Aleema Khan’s statement, and the party is critical of him,” the leader added.

It is speculated that Aleema Khan may be interested in playing a more active role in politics, with some suggesting that if given permission by Imran Khan, she could begin her political journey today. Some insiders believe that Aleema Khan views Ali Amin Gandapur as an obstacle to her political ambitions, contributing to their differences.

**Internal Struggles and Power Dynamics**
Further complicating matters, there are growing concerns within PTI about Aleema Khan’s involvement in the provincial government’s affairs. Several individuals feel that the Khan sisters are pushing for more collaboration with the provincial government and believe they have a right to influence matters related to their brother’s name.

One PTI leader shared that Aleema Khan maintains direct access to Imran Khan, often conveying her perspective to him, which he then responds to in turn. “She conveys her thoughts to Khan, and then Khan responds accordingly, which she later shares with the media,” the leader said.

Tariq Waheed agreed with this assessment, adding that some members within the party are trying to leverage Aleema Khan’s influence to undermine Ali Amin Gandapur. Despite these internal challenges, Waheed noted that while there is pressure on Ali Amin Gandapur, his position is unlikely to be in jeopardy. “Ali Amin Gandapur knows that as long as Imran Khan is in jail, he remains the most powerful figure in the party,” Waheed concluded.