Repeated defeats: Central leadership unhappy with PTI’s performance in K-P

Doubts surface after defeat in NA-19 and PK-45 by-polls at the hands of PML-N .

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) central leadership has reportedly raised questions over the provincial leadership’s performance following defeat at the hands of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) in the recent by-polls.

Sources inside the party informed The Express Tribune the defeat has compelled the central leadership to consider a performance review of some provincial leaders.

Low motivation

“I am not blaming anyone and I am not against any of the existing leaders but party members’ resentment against hand-picked provincial leadership is, without a doubt, one of the causes behind the recent defeats,” said a party loyalist, requesting anonymity. Laying the onus on lack of motivation, he said the loss in NA-19 and PK-45 in Hazara division at the hands of PML-N suggests anger within the party. “The central leadership needs to immediately announce [intra-party] elections if they want a clean sweep in local government elections,” he added.

“Had they (central leadership) taken notice a bit earlier, the situation would have been completely different.”

The governor’s seat

PTI’s provincial leadership has, however, denied the allegations. Instead, it claimed the K-P leadership has strengthened the party enough that it won by-polls in NA-25, Tank; PK-67, DI Khan; and PK-86, Swat.

“What happened in PK-45 (Haripur) is the outcome of the influence of K-P Governor Sardar Mehtab Abbasi,” said PTI provincial general secretary Khalid Masood. The government machinery had been mobilised during the elections, was Masood’s accusation.

“He (Abbasi) held numerous gatherings of locals in PK-45 at the Governor House.”

However, PML-N has repeatedly said PTI Chairman Imran Khan made several visits to PK-45 and also made a number of announcements pertaining to the development of the area.

When contacted, PTI central additional general secretary Saifullah Niazi said the party’s performance in the by-polls was remarkable. It would not have been possible without consistent efforts and hard work of the provincial leadership and the workers, he added.

“However, performance of some individuals has not been up to the mark, which the PTI is reviewing. The [central leadership] will take necessary action to improve things for the future,” added Niazi.

PTI provincial President Azam Khan Swati suggested party workers did not work the way they should have, agreeing it was one of the reasons why the party faced defeat in PK-45. He reiterated Masood’s statement that the governor had influenced the by-polls.

“I worked hard for days but, yes, the party chairman was unhappy and the leadership expressed reservations. I was unsuccessful,” Swati admitted while emphasising PK-45 was still the governor’s home seat.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2014.