Internal Differences Emerge in PTI Parliamentary Party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly

PESHAWAR: Internal differences have surfaced within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, while Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi has called an emergency parliamentary party meeting.

According to sources, reports of discontent among ruling party lawmakers emerged after the recent expansion of the provincial cabinet, creating concerns for the chief minister ahead of the upcoming budget session.

The sources said that Chief Minister Afridi has summoned all members of the provincial assembly to the parliamentary party meeting and directed them to ensure full attendance. He has also made contact with several lawmakers, along with provincial ministers, to address grievances and encourage participation.

It has also been reported that some dissatisfied members held a separate consultative meeting prior to the parliamentary party session, further highlighting internal tensions within the ruling party.

Sources added that the emergence of a disgruntled group before the budget session could create political challenges for the chief minister, particularly as PTI lawmakers are reportedly acting with a degree of independence in the assembly.

It was further claimed that dissatisfied members were warned that any attempt to create difficulties for the government could affect their chances of receiving party tickets in the next general elections.

However, a provincial government minister has claimed that all members will express full confidence in the chief minister during the upcoming parliamentary party meeting, downplaying the likelihood of a split within the ranks.