Internal rifts emerge ahead of PTI march

Local chapters' general secretary, SVP resign over differences

PESHAWAR:

Internal differences within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have emerged ahead of the planned protest on November 24.

Following the resignations of the general secretary and senior vice president of PTI's Peshawar City East chapter, new office-bearers have been appointed. The party's founding chairman has taken notice of these disputes, instructing members to resolve their differences.

While preparations for the protest are underway, divisions within the party have become evident. Peshawar East's General Secretary, Taqdeer Ali, and Senior Vice President Malik Salim resigned, reportedly due to disagreements over the distribution of positions.

In response, the Peshawar district appointed Rahman Jalal as General Secretary, Faqir Muhammad and Rafiullah as senior vice presidents, and Naik Muhammad as vice president.

PTI leader Bushra Bibi also acknowledged these internal disputes during her address to party workers at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar. She emphasised that this is not the time for internal conflicts, as they could undermine the party's movement and efforts to secure Imran Khan's release. She urged members to focus entirely on the November 24 protest.

Last week, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will proceed to the federal capital as planned, but kept all strategic cards close to his chest.

He emphasised that while he couldn't disclose the full protest strategy, he assured that workers were prepared for all eventualities. Gandapur criticised the federal government's actions, saying that closing off Islamabad was unjust, as holding a peaceful protest is a constitutional right.

He argued that creating obstacles, shelling, and using rubber bullets were inappropriate methods. "Such tactics violate the law."

He also mentioned that the petition for registering a case against the IG of Islamabad is now in court, and he cannot comment further on the matter.