PTI Prepares for “Black Day” Protest: Junaid Akbar Khan Faces Challenges from Ali Amin Gandapur Group
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has declared February 8 as “Black Day” and announced a rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as part of a nationwide protest. To ensure the success of the event, PTI’s new provincial president, Junaid Akbar Khan, has been working tirelessly on the preparations. Despite a strained relationship with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Junaid Akbar met with him to discuss the event and preparations.
According to PTI officials, the meeting between Akbar and Gandapur was cordial, and both discussed organizational matters and the arrangements for the rally. However, despite announcing his participation in the Swabi rally, Gandapur’s interest in the event appears lukewarm. PTI insiders suggest that after losing his position as the provincial president, Gandapur is less involved in party affairs and has not shown much enthusiasm for supporting Junaid Akbar’s leadership.
Meanwhile, PTI leaders from Swabi, led by National Assembly member Sher Afzal Marwat, also met with the Chief Minister to strategize on how to make the February 8 rally a success. Despite this, Gandapur’s lack of engagement with the preparations remains a key concern, particularly in light of his previous conflicts with Atif Khan’s group. These ongoing differences have affected party dynamics, with some questioning Gandapur’s willingness to cooperate with the new provincial president.
**Internal Strife and Grouping Within PTI**
PTI sources indicate that Gandapur’s lack of interest in the rally stems from the rising influence of Atif Khan’s group, which is seen as gaining more power within the party. The rivalry between Gandapur’s faction and Atif Khan’s group has intensified, particularly after the removal of Shakil Khan from the provincial cabinet. Following this change, Gandapur removed Junaid Akbar from his role as focal person and replaced him with the new provincial president.
Although Junaid Akbar’s appointment was welcomed by PTI workers, Gandapur’s camp has remained dissatisfied, with no signs of congratulations or support from him towards Akbar. However, the two leaders met for the first time recently, and sources confirm that their discussion was cordial, focusing on rally preparations.
**Diverging Views on Protests and Strategy**
With Junaid Akbar now holding the responsibility of organizing protests and rallies, his approach appears significantly different from Gandapur’s stance. Sources say that while Gandapur has always been against violent protests and large-scale demonstrations, Akbar is a strong proponent of such actions. Akbar has advocated for major protests and road blockages, even suggesting the closure of motorways and key roads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is something Gandapur strongly opposes.
Junaid Akbar’s strategy is to make the Swabi rally a success to send a clear message to Ali Amin Gandapur’s faction that the party can thrive without their support. He is keen to demonstrate his leadership and assert the backing of PTI workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Akbar’s focus is on Malakand Division and Peshawar, where he hopes party workers will play a key role in making the rally successful.
**Junaid Akbar’s Test Case: Swabi Rally**
The Swabi rally is a critical test for Junaid Akbar, who aims to show his capability to lead PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His close allies believe that a successful rally will demonstrate to party leadership, particularly Imran Khan, that the workers in the province stand with him. Akbar has instructed PTI members in Peshawar to mobilize the workers, emphasizing the importance of their participation in ensuring the rally’s success.
As tensions within PTI continue to simmer, the party faces an uphill battle to unite its factions and deliver a powerful message on February 8. The Swabi rally will undoubtedly be a crucial moment for Junaid Akbar’s leadership, as he seeks to prove his ability to lead PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite resistance from Gandapur’s group.
