Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Amin Gandapur has revealed that he learned around three months ago that Sohail Afridi’s name had already been finalized for the position of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister.
Speaking in an interview with a private TV channel, Ali Amin Gandapur said he had been receiving indirect information that names were being sought from people for the position of chief minister, while as chief minister, he was also aware of meetings being held by party leaders.
Sohail Afridi’s Name Had Already Been Finalized
Ali Amin Gandapur said his friends had told him that something was happening regarding the chief minister’s position and that he learned three months ago that Sohail Afridi’s name had been finalized. He said he also knew the other names and who had finalized them, but Imran Khan ultimately finalized the name.
Pressured for a Meeting with Imran Khan
The former chief minister said that when he received a message to “storm in,” he responded that he should first be allowed to meet Imran Khan. He said he wanted to meet Imran Khan himself and put considerable pressure for the meeting, but it could not take place immediately.
According to Ali Amin Gandapur, a party vlogger created a narrative that he did not go to meet Imran Khan, after which the meeting was arranged.
Concerns Over Grouping within the Party
He said that during the meeting, he briefed Imran Khan in detail about the party’s internal affairs. Ali Amin Gandapur said he told Imran Khan that groups had formed within the party and that people were creating strange narratives in their own circles. According to him, people were declared traitors after such narratives were created.
Movement Not Moving Forward
The former chief minister said that given the current situation, he did not believe that the movement was being taken forward. He said that when he was removed from the party presidency, it had been clearly stated that Junaid Akbar and other leaders would lead the movement.
Secured a Ticket for Sohail Afridi
Regarding Sohail Afridi, Ali Amin Gandapur said he was not being given a party ticket, but he fought to get Sohail Afridi the ticket and later also had him included in the cabinet.
Those Assigned Responsibility for Long March Should Lead It
Ali Amin Gandapur said that those who have been given responsibility for the long march will lead it. He said, “Why should I stand with conspirators and get another conspiracy hatched against me?”
The PTI leader expressed his concerns over the current situation within the party, saying that internal differences and factionalism were creating difficulties in taking the movement forward.
During the interview, Ali Amin Gandapur claimed that Imran Khan had instructed him to “storm in” and block Qazi Faiz Isa’s way. According to him, these instructions were given in the context of the protest.
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