PTI parliamentary party rifts emerge ahead of K-P budget

PESHAWAR:

Differences have surfaced within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, with growing dissatisfaction among government members ahead of the provincial budget emerging as a major headache for Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

In response, the Chief Minister has summoned a parliamentary party meeting this (Sunday) evening.

Reports of discontent PTI assembly members first emerged following a recent expansion of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa cabinet. According to sources, the Chief Minister decided to call the meeting after receiving reports about lawmakers reaching out to one another.

All assembly members have been directed to ensure their attendance at the session. Sources further revealed that CM Sohail Afridi and other ministers have been contacting disgruntled lawmakers, personally inviting them to attend the meeting.

Prior to the parliamentary party gathering, the disgruntled members have reportedly called their own consultative meeting. The emergence of a faction of unhappy lawmakers just before the budget has added to the Chief Minister's troubles.

The independent posture of PTI members in the assembly could prove problematic, sources warned. Meanwhile, a clear message has been conveyed to the unhappy lawmakers: any attempt to create difficulties for the government could make it harder for them to secure party tickets in the next elections.