PESHAWAR: Signs of internal friction within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa surfaced on Sunday after more than 25 lawmakers reportedly skipped a key parliamentary party meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House.
According to Beyond Time News, the meeting was chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and attended by around 75 members out of the 92-member parliamentary group.
Key Leaders Among Absentees
Party sources said several senior and disgruntled lawmakers, including former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, were among those who did not attend the meeting.
Other absent lawmakers reportedly included Fazal Elahi and Nek Muhammad, with some citing travel or personal commitments.
Sources also suggested that dissatisfaction among certain members stemmed from exclusions in the provincial cabinet.
CM Afridi Claims Unity in Party
Despite the absences, Chief Minister Afridi described the turnout as evidence of party unity and rejected claims of internal division.
He said PTI remained united on its ideological stance and dismissed what he called propaganda aimed at creating rifts within the party.
According to Beyond Time News, Afridi also briefed lawmakers on party matters, including the health situation of PTI founder Imran Khan and upcoming budget planning.
Concerns Over Imran Khan’s Health
The chief minister expressed concern over the conditions surrounding Imran Khan, claiming he had been denied proper access to medical care and family visits.
He alleged that the former prime minister’s health had deteriorated, including significant vision loss in one eye, and called for better medical facilities and access for his treatment.
Federal Government Accused of Neglect
Afridi also criticized the federal government, accusing it of withholding resources from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including gas and wheat supplies.
He claimed the province was owed substantial financial dues and said PTI would continue to pursue its rights through political and institutional channels.
KP CM Afridi Joins PTI Sit-In Near Adiala Jail Amid Tight Security
Denial of Forward Bloc Reports
Meanwhile, KP Information Minister Shafi Jan rejected reports of a forward bloc within PTI, insisting that all lawmakers remain aligned with the party leadership.
He warned that any deviation from the party line would carry political consequences and dismissed speculation of internal fragmentation.
Conclusion
While PTI leadership maintains that the party remains united in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the absence of a significant number of lawmakers from a key meeting has fueled discussion about internal differences. According to Beyond Time News, party officials continue to deny any formal split within the provincial parliamentary ranks.
