Bajaur:In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) suffered its second consecutive defeat in the by-election for PK-22 Bajaur. The Awami National Party’s candidate, Nasir Baaz, clinched victory with 11,242 votes, leaving PTI’s candidate, who contested under the Sunni Ittehad Council’s ticket, trailing in fourth place. The election, initially scheduled for April 22, was marred by unfortunate incidents including violence that resulted in the tragic death of PTI’s independent candidate, Rehman Zaib, prompting the Election Commission to postpone polls in the constituency.
Political analysts suggest that internal party rifts and dissatisfaction among workers over ticket distribution were pivotal factors contributing to PTI’s defeat. Despite being the ruling party in the province, PTI’s popularity has faced setbacks due to perceived lack of developmental work and inadequate public outreach by elected representatives. Meanwhile, the success of ANP’s candidate has sparked discussions about the growing appeal of nationalist parties in the region, signaling a shift in voter sentiment.
Observers note that while PTI remains one of the most popular parties nationwide, internal divisions and strategic missteps in local politics have undermined its electoral prospects in Bajaur. The outcome underscores the challenges PTI faces in maintaining cohesive support bases amidst competitive regional dynamics.
PTI Faces Second Consecutive Defeat in Bajaur By-Election
