Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Amin Gandapur has acknowledged shortcomings in efforts to secure the release of party founder Imran Khan, while highlighting internal divisions and disputes among key figures during a wide-ranging television interview.
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Gandapur said negotiations with authorities had largely proceeded on Khan’s terms but ultimately failed to achieve the desired outcome. He accepted partial responsibility, describing some decisions — including defying instructions during protests to halt at Sangjani — as disastrous. He maintained, however, that his loyalty to the jailed leader remained unwavering.
Gandapur said talks intensified after October 5 protests reached D-Chowk, with draft terms prepared under pressure generated by demonstrations. He claimed limited personal meetings with Khan, alleging that others conveyed inaccurate information to the founder. According to him, adviser Barrister Saif had access at key political junctures such as Senate elections and the federal budget.
The PTI leader also addressed disputes with senior figures and Khan’s family. He criticised Aleema Khan over protest mobilisation outside Adiala Jail and internal party decisions, while urging Khan’s sisters to help facilitate his release. Gandapur said he had “pleaded with folded hands” before them, asserting he had done more for the cause than critics and would quit politics if proven otherwise.
Responding to criticism from Salman Akram Raja, Gandapur questioned his authority to demand accountability and complained of exclusion from the party’s political committee. He also urged overseas PTI figures including Shehbaz Gill and media commentator Imran Riaz Khan to return to Pakistan and lead protests rather than comment from abroad.
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Gandapur concluded that internal rivalries and misinformation had weakened PTI during a critical period, while reiterating that his political role remained tied solely to Khan’s leadership.