Rebel PTI lawmakers escalate demands
A group of dissident government lawmakers in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has openly voiced its discontent, sharply criticising the provincial leadership for failing to secure the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Led by former minister Mushtaq Ghani, the group made its position public through a strongly worded social media message. Ghani categorically denied being part of any lobby or forward bloc, stating that their sole grievance with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was his alleged inaction on Imran Khan's release.
"Our only one-point agenda is the release of Imran Khan," Ghani declared. He described the ongoing movement for Khan's freedom as "homeopathic" in approach, arguing that such methods would not yield results. "If we are to sit in front of Parliament on June 10, then we should not rise until Khan is released," he added.
The emergence of the dissident group has added a new layer of tension within the ruling coalition in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Ghani emphasised that the lawmakers were neither seeking personal gains nor aligned with any hidden faction, but were solely motivated by the demand for their party founder's immediate freedom.
In response, Provincial Assembly Speaker Babar Salim Swati has moved swiftly to contain the brewing crisis. He met Mushtaq Ghani in Abbottabad on Saturday and assured him that the dissidents' concerns would be addressed. Sources said the rebels were also offered slots in the provincial cabinet, but they sought time till today to deliberate.
A consultative meeting of the dissident group is scheduled for today in Peshawar, just before the provincial assembly session. The outcome of the meeting is being closely watched, as any escalation could threaten the stability of the ruling setup in the province.
Political observers note that the development reflects growing frustration within PTI ranks over the party's strategy regarding Imran Khan's prolonged detention. The situation remains fluid as both the provincial government and the dissidents prepare for crucial deliberations.