Gandapur says Imran Khan ready for talks “for Pakistan, not power”

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, addressing the Lahore High Court Bar Association, conveyed that PTI founder Imran Khan is open to negotiations — but only in the interest of Pakistan, not for political power.

Gandapur quoted Khan as rejecting power as a personal goal and criticized the state’s growing dependence on coercive force, stating, “The country can no longer be run with batons.”

Gandapur also alleged that the 2024 general elections were marred by blatant rigging.

“If slaves will decide our future, we too will become slaves,” he said, expressing deep frustration over alleged foreign interference and puppet decision-making.

Read more: No foreign pressure for Imran Khan’s release, says Pakistan minister

Meanwhile, PTI’s internal strife in KP is escalating. Former minister Taimur Jhagra has publicly challenged CM Gandapur, and attempts to mediate between Gandapur and senior leader Atif Khan have failed.

Discontent is also brewing among party heavyweights like Asad Qaiser, while MNA Junaid Akbar has reportedly  removed key Gandapur allies from the cabinet — deepening the crisis within the party.