Rawalpindi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has distanced the party from remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur regarding the construction of the controversial Kalabagh Dam. Speaking outside the Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi, Raja said Gandapur’s statement was his personal opinion and not reflective of PTI’s official stance.
“PTI’s position on Kalabagh Dam is absolutely clear. We cannot ignore the concerns of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Projects on which two provinces strongly disagree are harmful for the federation,” Raja stated. He emphasized that such initiatives could only be considered viable if all stakeholders reached consensus and political harmony was ensured.
Addressing speculation about systemic changes, Raja clarified that PTI does not endorse a shift from the parliamentary to presidential system. “This is neither our policy nor our priority. If Chief Minister Gandapur has made such a statement, I will seek clarification from him. Parliament, elected through Form 47, has no authority for such constitutional amendments,” he remarked.
Raja also condemned what he described as false and fabricated cases against him, alleging that proceedings were being deliberately delayed and sentences imposed without credible evidence. He stressed that higher courts often had no choice but to provide relief in such cases.
On humanitarian efforts, Raja revealed that party founder Imran Khan had directed PTI lawmakers to contribute personally toward flood relief. He said he had visited Sialkot and Sambrial himself to assist victims, and PTI workers were actively engaged in providing aid across affected regions.
Earlier in the day, hearings of two cases linked to the November 26 protest were postponed due to the judge’s absence. Raja’s interim bail was extended until September 23, with the court summoning investigation records from police at the next hearing.
