PTI-TTAP tensions deepen over boycott of Mardan rally

Internal divisions within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have widened after the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) declined a formal invitation to participate in a planned April 19 rally in Mardan, highlighting growing friction within opposition ranks.

According to party sources and TTAP representatives, alliance leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai refused to attend the rally, citing two main concerns: that holding a rally in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be politically ineffective, and that TTAP had not been consulted before the announcement was made.

Sources said PTI K-P leader Atif Khan initially contacted TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain and later reached out to Achakzai, requesting formal confirmation of participation. However, the TTAP leadership maintained that key decisions regarding the rally were taken unilaterally without prior consultation.

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A senior PTI office-bearer confirmed that Achakzai’s decision to skip the event reflects broader grievances within the opposition alliance, noting that this was the third instance in which TTAP had been sidelined in major political decisions.

The development has also triggered criticism within PTI ranks, with some leaders accusing the K-P leadership of acting independently without consulting allied groups. Others defended TTAP’s stance, arguing that internal coordination within the alliance had weakened over time.

Several PTI insiders also expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s central leadership, alleging a lack of strategic direction and ineffective political pressure on the government. However, party spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram acknowledged differences of opinion, saying internal discussions would soon be held to address concerns.

TTAP spokesperson Hussain confirmed that the alliance had not been consulted prior to the rally announcement but said he was unaware of the final outcome of talks between PTI and TTAP leaders.

The dispute underscores ongoing coordination challenges within opposition ranks, raising questions about unity and decision-making as political activities intensify ahead of upcoming rallies.