Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafiullah Jan has questioned Ali Amin Gandapur’s claim that around 30 lawmakers are supporting him.
Speaking on Samaa TV’s programme Nadeem Malik Live, Shafi Jan said there was no major crisis within the party and challenged Gandapur to identify the lawmakers he claims are on his side.
“Ali Amin Gandapur is claiming to have 30 people with him, so tell us their names,” he said.
The provincial minister said 75 lawmakers attended the recent parliamentary party meeting, while 17 members were absent.
According to him, several of those absent had legitimate reasons for not attending, including overseas travel and Hajj.
“Five members are abroad, three are performing Hajj and two are in South Africa,” he said, adding that the meeting was conducted in a positive atmosphere.
Defence of Sohail Afridi
Shafi Jan strongly defended Sohail Afridi and rejected speculation regarding his political future.
He said Afridi had not made commitments to anyone and maintained that no one could remove him from his position.
The minister also dismissed reports that dozens of lawmakers had submitted affidavits supporting an alternative political arrangement.
“It is said that there are affidavits of 28 members. Bring even one in front of us,” he remarked.
Warning against leaving PTI founder’s path
The minister warned that any lawmaker who deviates from the political direction of PTI founder Imran Khan would face political consequences.
He argued that several prominent figures who left the party had faded from the political landscape, while those who remained loyal continued to hold public support.
Referring to Sher Afzal Marwat, he said the MNA still considered Imran Khan his leader despite internal differences.
Shafi Jan said securing the release of the PTI founder remains a key priority alongside governance matters.
He listed a series of political activities undertaken by the party, including protests, sit-ins, rallies, and outreach efforts aimed at securing relief for the jailed former prime minister.
According to him, PTI leaders have engaged with various institutions and political figures but have yet to achieve the desired outcome.
The minister said the party has submitted a request to meet the PTI founder before discussions on the upcoming budget.
He added that if permission for the meeting is not granted, the issue will be discussed internally within the party.
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