Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Sher Afzal Marwat has said the opposition cannot bring a no-confidence motion against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, while voicing frustration over the state of the party and its leadership’s disconnect from ground realities.

Speaking on Aaj TV’s programme Rubaroo, Marwat said PTI was once united under an ideological cause, but that ideology has now been “shattered.”

He alleged that Imran Khan is not being told the truth and is only being given “all-is-well” reports.

“They should apologise for their behaviour — only then will I march alongside them,” Marwat stated, adding that political movements don’t succeed by mere slogans but through real groundwork and leadership commitment.

He also expressed disillusionment with the party’s internal environment: “Respect is hard to come by in PTI. I’m tired of the constant abuse. Social media criticism has disheartened everyone,” he remarked.

Dialogue and leadership challenges

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja also appeared in the programme and reiterated that the final decision regarding talks with the government would rest solely with Imran Khan.

He criticised the ruling coalition, saying: “The current government does not have public trust. Their narrative in power differs drastically from their rhetoric outside of it.”

Government stance: ‘No political victimisation’

In response, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal defended the coalition government’s position, saying PTI was removed through a constitutional no-confidence vote, not a conspiracy.

“The treasury was empty even before the no-confidence move,” he said.

“PTI chose to protest against the state instead of celebrating Pakistan’s diplomatic success against India. Imran Khan is a convicted criminal — there’s no political case against him.”

Iqbal added that PTI’s leadership and some members are running anti-state campaigns from self-imposed exile.

He called for national unity and extended an invitation to cooperate for Pakistan’s stability.

“Those who support the state will be welcomed. Those who harm it will be dealt with strictly,” he asserted, emphasising that every state has a right to defend its interests.