PTI gripped by Senate ticket rift

Intense lobbying expose internal divisions ahead of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa by-election

PESHAWAR:

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has plunged into a full-blown internal conflict over its single Senate seat in the upcoming by-election, with nearly a dozen party members throwing their hats into the ring.

Aspirants have already submitted their applications for the party ticket, and intense lobbying has begun both within the party and on social media. Provincial ministers have also jumped into the fray, openly backing their preferred candidates in a bid to influence the final decision.

The vacancy arose after the PTI's Senator-elect was disqualified before even taking oath, triggering what many insiders describe as a "civil war" within the party for the prestigious seat. The contest has sparked heated debates on social media, with workers and leaders fiercely arguing over who deserves the ticket.

According to PTI sources, applications for the ticket have been submitted by several prominent figures, including former provincial minister Shaukat Yousafzai, Peshawar District President Irfan Saleem, Faizur Rehman, Salarzai, Sajjad Bangash, Rasool Gul, Rahmat Kundi, and several others.

A war of words has also erupted among senior party leaders. Many workers and mid-level leaders are demanding that the ticket should go to a candidate who has made significant sacrifices for the party and for the release of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

While some senior leaders are backing Peshawar District President Irfan Saleem, certain cabinet members have come out strongly in support of Faizur Rehman. Law Minister Aftab Alam has publicly thrown his weight behind Faizur Rehman.

The situation has become so charged that messages are circulating on social media warning that if the ticket is given to an "ATM candidate", protests will be launched within the party.

To resolve the matter, PTI has constituted a parliamentary board headed by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The board has been tasked with selecting the official candidate for the Senate by-poll.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan schedule, nomination papers will be filed on April 6 and 7. PTI sources said aspiring candidates will submit their nomination papers during these two days, and the parliamentary board is expected to announce its final choice one day before the last date for withdrawal of nominations.

Talking to reporters, PTI Provincial Information Secretary Malik Adeel said the parliamentary board has already been formed to decide on the candidate.

"Anyone can express their desire for the ticket, as PTI is a democratic party. Decisions are not imposed here like in other parties," he said. "Applications are being collected by the board. If a meeting with founder Chairman Imran Khan takes place, his decision will be final. Otherwise, the parliamentary board will make the decision."

The development highlights growing internal pressures within PTI as it balances loyalty, sacrifice, and political pragmatism ahead of the Senate by-election.