PTI’s Junaid Akbar confirms communication with institutions

The President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Junaid Akbar, has confirmed ongoing communication between the party leadership and institutional bodies while emphasizing that such communications have always taken place at PTI’s discretion in the past.

Speaking to the media after presiding over the first meeting of PTI leaders in Peshawar on Sunday, Akbar stated that the gathering focused on preparing for the upcoming protest rally in Swabi on February 8, which he described as the largest PTI gathering in K-P.

Several PTI leaders and members of the provincial assembly attended the meeting, while the Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, was notably absent.

Akbar clarified that the CM was not invited to the meeting due to his pre-existing responsibilities. However, he assured that a separate meeting would take place with the CM regarding the Swabi protest.

In his conversation with the media, Akbar expressed strong disapproval of remarks made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, accusing him of making inappropriate statements.

Naqvi on Saturday had warned the PTI of strict action if it goes ahead with its planned February 8 protest which coincides with the Champions Trophy match scheduled in Lahore.

“The government will request the PTI to reconsider its planned protest on February 8, but if the party refuses, the state will take necessary action,” the interior minister said.

He accused the party of damaging Pakistan’s international image by organising demonstrations whenever foreign dignitaries visit the country. “Their politics promote chaos rather than constructive development.”

However, Akbar described the actions taken against PTI workers as “state terrorism” and raised concerns about the possibility of violence during future protests, stating, “This time, we expect even bullets to be fired at us during any protest.”

He confirmed the ongoing communication between PTI and state institutions, attributing it to PTI’s strategic approach as he acknowledged that the party did not seek confrontation with institutions, but emphasised that whatever instructions the founder gives, they will not disappoint him or the public.

Responding to a query about potential changes in the provincial cabinet, Akbar stated that such decisions fall under the authority of the CM.