Reports of anti-CM PTI bloc in K-P rejected

Minister terms news 'fabricated and baseless'

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan on Tuesday dismissed reports of PTI MPAs forming a group against Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, terming them "fabricated and baseless".

The statement came in response to media reports claiming that around 50 PTI MPAs had formed a bloc against the chief minister over dissatisfaction with his performance. Reports also suggested the rift could affect passage of the upcoming provincial budget, prompting Afridi to seek support from JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

In a statement posted on X, Jan said reports of assembly members forming a group against the chief minister were "false, fabricated and baseless", adding that "those dreaming of creating divisions among party lawmakers have failed".

He said all members of the K-P Assembly remained united under CM Afridi's leadership and were committed to serving the public. Jan also claimed that "organised and baseless propaganda" had targeted the chief minister since he assumed office.

The minister added that CM Afridi enjoyed the confidence of PTI founder Imran Khan, whose decisions within the party remained "final".

Referring to Afridi's meeting with JUI-F chief Rehman, Jan said the discussion centred on the death of cleric Maulana Muhammad Idrees and the overall law and order situation.

Rejecting reports of internal divisions, he said KP was the only province in the country "where true democratic values were being promoted". He added that CM Afridi had brought opposition parties together in the public interest.

"He is also holding regular meetings on mega development projects for public welfare," Jan said.

He urged those spreading "fake news" to "wait for the provincial budget", asserting that it would not only pass smoothly but also "usher in development and prosperity".

Jan further said that despite limited resources, the KP government had achieved "major successes" in development, law and order, and public welfare.