Senate Election Dispute Deepens Within PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

PESHAWAR: Internal tensions have intensified within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the allocation of tickets for the upcoming Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scheduled for July 21, according to sources familiar with the matter.

According to sources, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, the Information Advisor for the provincial government, has always followed the orders of the PTI founder, which he received directly at a recent meeting at Adiala Jail.

According to reports, the PTI founder told Barrister Saif to announce the names of six people who would run for the Senate. However, this move faced resistance from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who allegedly attempted to prevent the public release of the nominees’ list.

According to sources, Aleema Khanum, the sister of the PTI founder, also sided with the Chief Minister, pressing Barrister Saif under the guise of consultation to delay or reconsider the announcement. Despite the pressure, Barrister Saif is quoted as saying,

“I will quit my office, but I won’t be disloyal to the party’s founder.”

Insiders report that Saif responded forcefully, telling the rival faction that the party founder is frustrated with internal divisions and public disputes. The situation reportedly worsened to the extent that no changes were made to the original list of six nominees after Barrister Saif threatened to resign.