Mohsin Naqvi Made ‘Efforts’ for Imran Khan’s Release’: Gandapur

Tuesday, 17 February 2026 | Web Desk

Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has made startling revelations, crediting Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi with making the most significant efforts to secure the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, while candidly admitting the party’s complete failure and deep internal divisions .

Talking to the media, Gandapur praised Naqvi’s behind-the-scenes efforts, stating, “No one else made the same level of effort. I have said this before, within the party, and now I am saying it on air: Mohsin Naqvi made vigorous efforts to resolve the issue. He made more efforts than anyone else to ensure Imran Khan’s release”.

Gandapur revealed that Naqvi had taken up Imran Khan’s case directly with the country’s top military leadership. “Naqvi is the only person I have seen who can even get the Field Marshal to engage in a conversation. He spoke up for Imran even in front of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, which no one else dared to do”.

The former chief minister acknowledged that while the PTI had been angry with Naqvi over his treatment of the party, he now recognizes Naqvi’s role in attempting to resolve the matter .

‘PTI Has Completely Failed’

In a remarkable admission, Gandapur declared that “PTI has completely failed, and all party members share responsibility for this failure”. He lamented that internal conflicts and mutual blame among PTI members have created difficulties even in meetings with the party leadership .

“There are ill-intentioned elements within our ranks, and no one in PTI currently has the authority to make key decisions. Many are blaming each other instead of working collectively,” Gandapur stated .

‘Sit-Ins Will Not Secure Imran Khan’s Release’

Gandapur dismissed the effectiveness of the ongoing protest, asserting that “the sit-in will not secure Imran Khan’s release”. He revealed that PTI’s pressure had diminished to the point where they had been staging a sit-in for four days just to inquire about the founder’s health .

The former KP CM disclosed that members who meet the founder often share “strange stories” and that information about his health is not fully trusted . He alleged that Imran Khan was being given misleading reports about public support. “Bani was told that leadership is treacherous, that people are ready to come out. On October 5, when we reached D-Chowk, there weren’t even 15 people. Bani was given a report that 150,000 were present. He was told that 300,000 people were at Faizabad Bridge,” Gandapur revealed .

‘Reconciliation is the Path Forward’

Despite his criticism, Gandapur emphasized that reconciliation remains part of their ethos. “Reconciliation is in our faith. Reconciliation is the path to progress and betterment,” he said . He noted that Imran Khan had repeatedly told him that the army is more important than even himself .

Concerns Over Health Information

Expressing hope for Imran Khan’s well-being, Gandapur stated, “My prayer is that Bani is completely fine. I hope his health is as reported,” while admitting he does not fully trust the circulating information about his condition .

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Background

Gandapur resigned as KP Chief Minister in October 2025 following directives from Imran Khan . Despite stepping down, he has remained a strong advocate for dialogue regarding Imran’s release, consistently emphasizing that any negotiations must involve those with genuine decision-making authority .