Internal Rifts in PTI Spark Controversy Over KP Mineral Bill 2025
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mineral Bill 2025 has become a flashpoint within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as internal divisions and rival factions have turned a potentially reformative piece of legislation into a battleground of political infighting and personal agendas.
According to party insiders, growing discord among PTI ranks has led to a social media storm, where party leaders, dissident members, and affiliated YouTubers have openly criticized the bill—not on legal or policy grounds, but through personal and political attacks. The hashtag #KPMineralBill2025 trended on various platforms, with critics targeting the provincial government and KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Some PTI-affiliated YouTubers labeled the bill as a betrayal of the party’s ideology, accusing it of handing over mineral resources to “non-elected powers.” Others claimed the bill sidelines local representatives and undermines democratic process. Allegations even surfaced from overseas PTI social media activists, linking the bill to foreign influence, particularly the establishment and the U.S.—a claim widely seen as exaggerated and politically motivated.
The controversy intensified when, during the bill’s presentation in the KP Assembly on Friday, lawmakers including Shakeel Khan and Fazal Elahi from PTI’s own ranks voiced strong opposition, prompting criticism from the opposition benches as well. A detailed briefing on the bill is scheduled for Monday by the Secretary of Minerals to address legislators’ concerns.
In response, KP CM’s Advisor on Information, Barrister Dr. Saif, told *Jang* that a “mafia” was trying to derail the chief minister’s reform agenda. He claimed the proposed amendments aim to liberate the mining sector from corrupt elements and that opposition to the bill was part of a propaganda campaign to protect vested interests.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur dismissed the criticism as “malicious,” asserting that the bill is intended to utilize the province’s mineral resources more effectively and boost the economy. “If people don’t like me, they should criticize me personally, but don’t spread false propaganda,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a significant development, a PTI leader who met party founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail told *Jang* that Khan had denied labeling Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, or Shahram Tarakai as conspirators. He urged party members to end blame games, warning that any future controversial statements would lead to disciplinary action.
Khan also expressed confidence in his wife, Bushra Bibi, stating she is standing strong and that he himself has no concerns.
The controversy around the KP Mineral Bill underscores not just policy differences, but deepening internal divisions within PTI at a time when unity is critical for the party’s survival and future political prospects.
