Muhammad Faiq Shah
The internal power struggle within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reached a tipping point, driven by the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. His tenure, stained by allegations of corruption and self-serving governance, has fueled dissatisfaction and division within the party. What was once a united movement is now facing internal discord, with many loyal PTI members becoming increasingly disillusioned by the party’s current trajectory. These tensions, however, are not new—they are rooted in a broader failure of leadership that extends beyond Gandapur to Imran Khan himself.
Khan’s decision-making, particularly in the selection of provincial leaders, has left a deep impact on the party. The appointment of Usman Buzdar as Chief Minister of Punjab, despite widespread doubts about his competence, signaled a troubling pattern. Buzdar’s weak governance and lack of vision were met with frustration by senior PTI leaders, many of whom had dedicated years to the party’s rise. Yet, instead of nurturing leadership that could strengthen PTI’s standing, Khan opted for loyalty over merit. The same mistake is being repeated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Gandapur, where capable leaders are sidelined in favor of individuals who do little to advance the party’s objectives.
The ongoing crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a reflection of the deeper structural issues within PTI’s leadership. Imran Khan’s insistence on personal loyalty and his autocratic style of decision-making have stifled the potential for genuine reform. Capable leaders within the party—those who have the experience and vision to guide PTI beyond the personality of Khan—are being alienated. These individuals, who could help steer PTI toward its reformist ideals, are instead pushed aside, leaving the party at risk of losing its momentum.
As someone who has long advocated for a different vision of leadership in Pakistan, I see the current state of PTI as emblematic of a broader leadership crisis in the country. True leadership requires more than charisma and control; it requires a commitment to empowering others, fostering collaboration, and making decisions that are in the best interest of the nation rather than personal gain.
Imran Khan, despite his initial appeal as a reformer, has failed to embody these principles. His governance, both in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been marked by the promotion of weak leaders who lack the vision to bring about lasting change. This approach has undermined the party’s effectiveness and alienated those within PTI who once believed in its promise.
The situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa underscores the urgent need for a shift in leadership across Pakistan. The country requires a leadership model that embraces transparency, meritocracy, and collective governance—principles that are essential for the long-term development of the nation. This leadership must empower local leaders, promote economic reform, and foster a political culture that prioritizes national progress over personal ambitions.
At this critical juncture, it is essential to reflect on the kind of leadership Pakistan needs—a leadership that prioritizes the nation’s development, social justice, and empowerment over self-serving politics. Without this shift, Pakistan risks further instability and stagnation, hindering its potential for growth and prosperity.
Muhammad Faiq Shah is a prominent businessman, political figure, and dedicated philanthropist. He can be reached via Email: [email protected]
