PTI’s Internal Committee Member Defends KP Assembly Speaker Amid Growing Uncertainty
PESHAWAR – April 5, 2025: As controversy brews within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, a senior member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) internal accountability committee has stepped forward to support Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, who is currently under scrutiny for alleged irregularities in administrative decisions.
Qazi Anwar, a member of the PTI accountability body, rejected the corruption allegations against Swati. Speaking to the media, he emphasized that any missteps in appointments or promotions should be seen in the broader political context, highlighting that similar actions have occurred during the tenures of past speakers such as Asad Qaiser and Mushtaq Ghani.
No-Confidence Motion on the Horizon?
Rumors are circulating that a no-confidence motion may soon be tabled in the KP Assembly if the allegations against Speaker Swati are substantiated. Sources revealed that Swati has already submitted his official response to the PTI’s internal accountability committee. If the findings go against him, his removal may follow.
“The party is likely to provide him with an opportunity to address the concerns and correct any controversial decisions,” an insider told. However, should he refuse to step down voluntarily, a formal no-trust move could be initiated.
Swati has come under fire over alleged irregularities in recent appointments and internal promotions—issues that have raised concerns within party ranks.
Imran Khan’s Directive from Jail
The situation escalated after PTI founder Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail, reportedly directed Swati to resign if the party’s committee concluded that his actions warranted it. This was revealed by senior PTI leader Azam Swati, who visited the former prime minister earlier this week.
During their meeting, Azam Swati also informed Khan about alleged mismanagement and corruption in Mansehra, prompting Khan to urge transparency and strict adherence to party discipline.
Oversight Committee and Anti-Corruption Push
In a move to ensure accountability within the provincial government, PTI had earlier established a three-member committee to monitor KP’s cabinet activities. The initial members included former governor Shah Farman, lawyer Qazi Anwar, and National Assembly member Junaid Akbar from Malakand. However, Akbar was later replaced by Brigadier (Retd.) Mussadiq Abbasi, who is currently serving as Special Assistant on Anti-Corruption to KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Speaking to the media, Anwar confirmed that the PTI founder had instructed an immediate reversal of controversial appointments made under the leadership of PTI KP President Akbar Ayub Khan.
CM Gandapur Not Standing Down
Insiders suggest that Chief Minister Gandapur is taking these developments seriously and has maintained communication with Khan to stay aligned with the party’s anti-corruption stance. Swati himself emphasized that the KP chief minister is not ignoring these concerns and remains committed to upholding internal accountability.
