PTI replaces Ali Amin Gandapur with Junaid Akbar as party's K-P president

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a key leadership change in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stepping down as provincial party president.

Junaid Akbar, a member of the National Assembly, has been appointed as his replacement.

The decision was confirmed by PTI leader Salman Akram Raja during a media briefing in Rawalpindi.

Raja stated that Gandapur’s departure from the role was voluntary, allowing him to focus on his responsibilities as chief minister amidst pressing challenges, including law and order issues in the province.

“This decision aligns with Gandapur’s request, as he wanted to dedicate himself entirely to the governance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Raja said.

The leadership change was reportedly discussed during a meeting between Junaid Akbar and PTI Chairman Imran Khan in prison.

Several senior party figures, including Atif Khan, Malik Ahmad Khan Bachhar, and Mian Farhat Abbas, were also present during the meeting.

Raja hinted at further organisational changes within PTI, including the potential appointment of former MNA Alia Hamza to a significant role in Punjab.

PTI remains engaged in ongoing political discussions, with the party advocating for the creation of a commission before formal talks with the government.

Raja stated that PTI is open to a meeting on 28 January if the government proceeds with the proposal.

Junaid Akbar elected PAC chairman

 PTI's Junaid Akbar was earlier elected unopposed as the PAC chairman on Friday.

The position had been vacant since the government assumed power after the February 2024 elections. The PAC, which oversees the audit of government revenue and expenditure, is regarded as the most influential committee in Parliament.

While the rules do not mandate the PAC chairmanship to be held by the opposition, it has traditionally been assigned to opposition members to ensure transparency in financial matters.

Akbar’s candidacy was supported by several key figures, including Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan, Senator Shibli Faraz, and others. Prominent committee members, such as MNA Riaz Fatyana, Malik Amir Dogar, Wajih Qamar, and Sardar Mohammad Yusuf Zaman, also backed his nomination.

Upon his election, Junaid Akbar Khan thanked the committee for their trust and vowed to lead the PAC with full cooperation from all members.