Gandapur's Punjab visit stirs ticket controversy

K-P CM Ali Amin Gandapur's visit to Punjab was primarily aimed at rallying support for PTI Senate ticket holder from K-P, Mirza Muhammad Afridi, a candidate who, reportedly, faces internal allegations of securing his ticket through unfair means.

A well-placed PTI source, speaking to The Express Tribune, claimed that the nature of the PTI convoy, led by CM Gandapur to the residence of Afridi, appeared "extraordinary".

He said the event gave the impression that the "powers that be" had made an exception for this rally, but later developments suggested a more complex picture. The parliamentary party dinner at Afridi's farmhouse revealed the visit's true purpose, namely, to rally support from party MPAs in Afridi's favour.

He noted that within PTI, there are two opinions on the ticket's awarding, with the dominant view being that it involved foul play.

The lavish dining and lodging arrangements raised concerns within the party. Afridi is accused of bribing his way to a Senate nomination, allegedly sidelining a loyal party worker, who according to the source has been nominated for the portfolio of party information secretary K-P. It was further alleged that the Gandapur-led provincial government fully backed Afridi. The issue will be taken up with Imran Khan in Tuesday's meeting, with an effort to reverse the decision.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Opp Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar said the event was organised by the K-P CM and the provincial government.

However, he rejected the impression that the police extended a "red carpet" to the convoy. "The convoy, being led by a sitting chief minister and cabinet members, was entitled to police security. There were arrests and baton charges against our workers ... so the suggestion that the event enjoyed the establishment's blessings is incorrect, at least in this regard."

K-P Information Minister Barrister Saif was approached for comments but was not available.