PTI Factions Consider ‘Reconciliation’ After Gohar’s Initiative

• Gandapur claims Imran directed him to block key PTI figures.
• Barrister Gohar brokers peace, convinces leaders to resolve rifts.
• KP govt spox dismisses exaggerated reports of the PTI discord.

PESHAWAR: Barrister Gohar, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has taken the initiative to mediate and foster reconciliation among key party members in an effort to address internal divisions, as reported by The News on Wednesday.

Following Barrister Gohar’s intervention, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, along with former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, and Shahram Tarakai, have collectively agreed to cease hostile communications, accusations, grievances, and internal conflicts.

Last week, tensions arose when KP Chief Minister Gandapur, after meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala jail, stated at a press conference that Imran Khan had instructed him not to allocate provincial assembly tickets to Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, and Shahram Tarakai, referring to them as conspirators.

This declaration from the provincial chief executive heightened internal tensions within the party, prompting numerous PTI leaders to demand an inquiry and the formation of a special committee to investigate the motivations behind Gandapur’s statements.

In response to the escalating controversy, Chairman Barrister Gohar, along with Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja, and Shaukat Yousafzai, intervened to manage the situation. Barrister Gohar now asserts that he has successfully persuaded the dissenting leaders to reconcile their differences.

Sources indicate that the PTI chairman convened a meeting with Gandapur, Qaiser, Atif, and Tarakai, during which the KP Chief Minister consented to resolve disagreements with his colleagues. Similarly, Qaiser, Atif, and Tarakai also committed to ending internal disputes.

Speaking to the media, Barrister Gohar stated that he has been working to resolve internal conflicts within the party, and that Gandapur has shown a willingness to address these issues. He noted that disagreements are common in large political parties and do not necessarily indicate a breakdown. However, leaders recognize that unresolved disputes could potentially worsen the situation.

Meanwhile, KP government spokesperson Barrister Saif cautioned opponents against exaggerating reports of internal strife within the PTI, suggesting they should not be misled.

He further commented that the level of discord within the Sharif family significantly surpasses that of PTI, marked by ongoing power struggles. Additionally, he suggested that the PPP should also be concerned about identifying the true political successor to the Bhutto legacy.