Atif Khan reportedly dismissed for supporting a removed minister, while Sher Ali Arbab was ousted for not aligning with Gandapur.
PTI’s Power Struggle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Escalates as CM Gandapur Removes Top Party Leaders
The internal power struggle within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur removed two prominent party leaders from their positions. This move has sparked significant reshuffling in the party’s provincial leadership and has highlighted the deepening rifts within PTI’s ranks.
According to multiple reports, Atif Khan, who held the position of President of PTI Peshawar Region, and Sher Ali Arbab, the President of District Peshawar, were both relieved of their duties. This decision marks a critical point in the ongoing internal power struggle within the party, particularly in K-P, where PTI has traditionally held a strong foothold.
The Reasons Behind the Dismissals
Sources indicate that Atif Khan’s removal was a direct consequence of his public support for the recently dismissed Minister Shakil Khan. Atif Khan’s stance put him at odds with the provincial leadership, specifically with Chief Minister Gandapur, who has been consolidating his power within the party. Shakil Khan, who had been a significant figure within the PTI’s provincial government, was dismissed earlier for reasons that have been linked to his outspoken criticism of corruption within the provincial administration.
Sher Ali Arbab’s ouster, on the other hand, was reportedly due to his refusal to sign a declaration of confidence in Chief Minister Gandapur. This refusal was seen as a direct challenge to Gandapur’s authority and, as a result, led to his removal from his position as President of District Peshawar. Arbab’s decision not to support the Chief Minister reflects the growing factionalism within PTI, as various leaders and members align themselves with different power centers within the party.
New Appointments Amid the Power Struggle
In the aftermath of these dismissals, PTI has moved quickly to fill the leadership void. Arbab Asim has been appointed as the new President of PTI Peshawar Region, while Irfan Saleem has taken over as the President of District Peshawar. These appointments are seen as an effort by Chief Minister Gandapur to strengthen his control over the party’s provincial leadership and to ensure loyalty within the ranks.
Additionally, Shahab Advocate has been named the General Secretary of District Peshawar. These changes were officially announced by PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s General Secretary, Ali Asghar Khan, with the approval of the provincial president. The swift replacement of Atif Khan and Sher Ali Arbab with figures believed to be loyal to Gandapur underscores the Chief Minister’s determination to assert his dominance within the party and to neutralize any potential threats to his leadership.
The Broader Context of PTI’s Internal Conflict
The power struggle within PTI in K-P is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of internal conflicts that have plagued the party in recent months. The tensions in K-P mirror similar struggles in other provinces, where local leaders have clashed over issues of leadership, party direction, and the handling of governmental responsibilities.
Earlier this month, on August 16, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Works and Communications, Shakeel Ahmed Khan, resigned from his position, citing rampant corruption within the provincial government. In his resignation, Shakeel Ahmed accused Chief Minister Gandapur of interfering in his ministry, which he claimed severely hindered his ability to perform his duties effectively. Shakeel Ahmed’s resignation and subsequent public statements added fuel to the fire, exacerbating the existing tensions within the party.
The removal of Atif Khan and Sher Ali Arbab can be seen as part of a larger strategy by Chief Minister Gandapur to consolidate power and to eliminate any opposition within the party. However, these actions may also have the unintended consequence of deepening divisions within PTI, as more leaders and members may become disillusioned with the party’s internal dynamics.
Implications for PTI’s Future in K-P
The ongoing power struggle within PTI in K-P has significant implications for the party’s future in the province. PTI has been the dominant political force in K-P for several years, and internal conflicts could undermine its ability to govern effectively and to maintain its support base. The dismissal of key leaders like Atif Khan and Sher Ali Arbab could lead to further fragmentation within the party, potentially weakening its electoral prospects in future elections.
Moreover, the public nature of these internal conflicts could damage PTI’s image as a unified and disciplined political party. Voters in K-P, who have supported PTI in large numbers in the past, may become disillusioned if the party is perceived as being more focused on internal power struggles than on addressing the pressing issues facing the province, such as corruption, governance, and development.
As PTI navigates these internal challenges, the party’s leadership will need to find a way to reconcile the different factions within its ranks and to present a united front to the public. Failure to do so could have serious consequences for PTI’s political fortunes in K-P and beyond.