Gandapur, Hammad Azhar 'exchange hot words' over protest during SCO summit

A 'heated exchange of words' occurred between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Hammad Azhar during a meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) political committee.

According to sources, Gandapur advocated for postponing protests during the committee meeting, while Azhar stressed the need for protests during the SCO conference.

Gandapur reportedly responded to Azhar, saying, "You are absconding and telling workers to come out; I came to Islamabad twice, Punjab's leadership was absent, my assembly members are arrested, and I have to protect the province's workers."

Azhar replied, "Don't level allegations; I'll lead the protest from Punjab." Gandapur responded, "How can you lead when you're absconding? We can't leave workers helpless." Azhar countered, "Your tone should be political, moral, and civilized; avoid mocking language."

Senior leadership intervened to mediate between Azhar and Gandapur. The committee discussed Maulana Fazlur Rehman's conference in Tando Allah Yar and approved PTI's request to postpone protests, aligning with opposition alliance's five parties.

Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Khan expressed concern, stating, "I don't want to comment on this issue; it's disturbing how internal party matters become public. Differences of opinion exist, and everyone has their stance."