Tensions within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter have once again come to light, as Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and senior party leader Atif Khan clashed in the party’s WhatsApp group over the newly proposed Mines and Minerals Act.
According to sources, the disagreement began when Atif Khan advised PTI MPAs in the group not to vote in favour of the bill, claiming it was "not in the interest of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa".
Chief Minister Gandapur, visibly displeased, responded sharply, asking Atif Khan, “Have you even read this bill?” He went on to mockingly add, “If you don’t understand English, I’ll send you an Urdu copy.”
The exchange escalated further when Gandapur reportedly took a personal jab, pointing out Atif Khan’s “intermediate education” as listed in Election Commission of Pakistan records.
He dismissed Atif Khan’s opposition to the bill, suggesting the issue was not about legislation but “personal grievances.” Sources say Atif Khan chose not to respond to Gandapur’s remarks.
PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Adeel Iqbal downplayed the incident. In a statement, he clarified that the matter would be addressed formally: “All MPAs will be briefed on the bill on Monday. Such discussions are part of normal party dynamics and should not be seen as signs of division.”
The Mines and Minerals Act, central to this clash, has stirred debate over its potential impact on resource management and provincial interests.
