PTI Dissident MPA Claims Group of 35–40 Lawmakers Demands Imran Khan’s Release, Warns Budget May Be Blocked
Peshawar: Dissident Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Fazal Elahi, has claimed that a group of 35 to 40 disgruntled lawmakers is united in demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, warning that the provincial budget may not be approved if their demand is not met.
Speaking in an interview, Fazal Elahi said the group of assembly members was “on the same page” regarding the need for Imran Khan’s release. He alleged that certain party leaders were not sincere in their efforts to secure the PTI founder’s freedom and insisted that the issue must be prioritized.
He stated that if their demands were ignored, the budget would face serious opposition in the assembly. Referring to remarks attributed to Aleema Khan, he said party supporters had also been urged not to approve the budget under the current circumstances.
Fazal Elahi further criticized the provincial leadership, alleging that the chief minister was excessively compliant with directives from the federal government. He claimed that undisclosed meetings between provincial leaders and federal authorities were harmful to the party’s interests.
The PTI lawmaker said he had urged the chief minister to convene a convention of party lawmakers before budget proceedings begin, where members could take an oath reaffirming their commitment to Imran Khan. He also disputed claims that 72 MPAs attended a recent provincial government meeting.
Questioning the performance of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, Fazal Elahi argued that the administration lacked authority and effectiveness. He maintained that the group’s sole priority was the release of Imran Khan and called for a nationwide convention of PTI lawmakers and senators to demonstrate unity on the issue.
He concluded by saying that the group remained united and would continue pressing for the release of the former prime minister before supporting key legislative measures, including the provincial budget.
