Divided PTI leaders open to 'reconciliation' following Barrister Gohar's mediation

• 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: In an effort to mend internal divisions, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has initiated talks with the key figures in the party and urged them to work towards reconciliation, The News reported on Wednesday.

Following his efforts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, and Shahram Tarakai have agreed to end hostile statements, accusations, grievances and internal conflicts.

Last week, KP Chief Minister Gandapur held a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala jail, and later at a press conference claimed that the PTI founder had directed him not to issue provincial assembly tickets to Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, and Shahram Tarakai, branding them as conspirators.

The provincial chief executive’s shocking statement intensified tensions within the party, leading to calls from various PTI leaders for an inquiry and a special committee to investigate the motive behind Gandapur’s remarks.

In the wake of this controversy, party chairman Barrister Gohar, Imran's sister Aleema Khan, senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja, and Shaukat Yousafzai stepped in to contain the situation. Barrister Gohar now claims he has successfully convinced the disgruntled leaders to reconcile.

According to sources, the PTI chairman held a meeting with Gandapur, Qaiser, Atif, and Tarakai, during which the KP CM agreed to resolve differences with other leaders. Similarly, Qaiser, Atif, and Tarakai also agreed to put an end to internal disputes.

Speaking to the media, Barrister Gohar said he had made efforts to settle the internal rifts within the party, and that Gandapur had expressed his willingness to resolve matters. He emphasised that disagreements were normal in large political parties and did not necessarily mean a breakdown. However, leaders have acknowledged that unresolved disputes could worsen the situation.

Meanwhile, KP government spokesperson Barrister Saif said opponents should not be under any delusion by exaggerating reports of differences within the PTI. 

He added that the level of discord within the Sharif family far exceeds that of PTI, with a constant power struggle going on. The PPP, he said, should also be concerned about who the true political heir of the Bhutto legacy is.