ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Azam Swati said that party founding chairman Imran Khan has ordered the reversal of appointments made by Junaid Akbar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Talking to the media outside the Adiala Jail, Azam Swati said that he told Imran Khan that Salman Akram Raja would not compromise on his principles. He also raised concerns over appointing Sardar Khan and Ikramullah despite corruption allegations.
PTI founder’s focal person, Niazullah Niazi, said Secretary General Salman Akram Raja would discuss Azam Swati’s concerns with Junaid Akbar, who is leading the party in KP.
Azam Swati said that he briefed the PTI founder on corruption in Mansehra and stressed the need for transparency. He said if the committee had made a decision, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker should resign. He also discussed concerns regarding Junaid Akbar.
The PTI founder ordered an immediate reversal of the appointments. Swati also briefed him on Punjab’s political affairs and claimed Aaliya Hamza was being obstructed. He insisted their main priority was securing the PTI founder’s release. He said Ali Amin Gandapur would not stay silent on corruption.
Swati clarified that he met the PTI founder with Gandapur’s permission. Meanwhile, Salman Akram Raja said he would address Swati’s concerns with Junaid Akbar. He assured that any issues in Punjab could be resolved through dialogue. He dismissed reports of internal party conflicts, saying minor differences were normal.
Niazullah Niazi said the Islamabad High Court had ordered a scheduled meeting, but it was not arranged. Only Azam Swati was allowed to meet the PTI founder, based on a list prepared by Salman Akram Raja.
Niazi said they respected the court’s decision but claimed the orders were being violated. He announced plans to file a contempt of court petition.
PTI leader Mubashir Maqsood Awan revealed that the PTI founder complained about being denied books, phone calls with his children for seven months, and political meetings.
After the meeting, Bushra Bibi, Azam Swati, and others left the jail. At Gate 5, Swati called Salman Akram Raja aside for a private discussion, excluding other leaders.
