Shafaqna Pakistan: The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is embroiled in a heated internal struggle over its lone Senate seat in the upcoming by-election, with nearly a dozen party members vying for the ticket.
Aspirants have already submitted applications, sparking intense lobbying both within the party and on social media. Provincial ministers have openly endorsed their preferred candidates, seeking to sway the final decision.
The seat became vacant after PTI’s Senator-elect was disqualified before taking oath, triggering what insiders describe as a “civil war” within the party for the prestigious position. The contest has fueled fierce debates online, with party workers and leaders arguing over who merits the nomination.
According to PTI sources, prominent figures who have submitted applications include former provincial minister Shaukat Yousafzai, Peshawar District President Irfan Saleem, Faizur Rehman, Salarzai, Sajjad Bangash, Rasool Gul, Rahmat Kundi, and several others.
A war of words has also erupted among senior party leaders. Many workers and mid-level leaders are demanding that the ticket should go to a candidate who has made significant sacrifices for the party and for the release of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
While some senior leaders are backing Peshawar District President Irfan Saleem, certain cabinet members have come out strongly in support of Faizur Rehman. Law Minister Aftab Alam has publicly thrown his weight behind Faizur Rehman.
The situation has become so charged that messages are circulating on social media warning that if the ticket is given to an “ATM candidate”, protests will be launched within the party.
To resolve the matter, PTI has constituted a parliamentary board headed by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The board has been tasked with selecting the official candidate for the Senate by-poll.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan schedule, nomination papers will be filed on April 6 and 7. PTI sources said aspiring candidates will submit their nomination papers during these two days, and the parliamentary board is expected to announce its final choice one day before the last date for withdrawal of nominations.
Talking to reporters, PTI Provincial Information Secretary Malik Adeel said the parliamentary board has already been formed to decide on the candidate.
“Anyone can express their desire for the ticket, as PTI is a democratic party. Decisions are not imposed here like in other parties,” he said. “Applications are being collected by the board. If a meeting with founder Chairman Imran Khan takes place, his decision will be final. Otherwise, the parliamentary board will make the decision.”
The development highlights growing internal pressures within PTI as it balances loyalty, sacrifice, and political pragmatism ahead of the Senate by-election.
Source: Express Tribune
