PESHAWAR: Tensions have surfaced within the ranks of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as party workers in Peshawar voiced strong criticism against the central leadership, accusing it of nepotism and marginalizing long-serving members during the Senate ticket distribution process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During a protest held on Wednesday, local PTI activists expressed anger over the exclusion of Irfan Saleem—a prominent and loyal party figure—from the Senate nominations. Protesters claimed that PTI founder Imran Khan had personally endorsed Saleem’s candidacy, a message reportedly delivered by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, following her visit to the incarcerated leader.
The dissenting workers highlighted inconsistencies in the party’s internal communication. While Aleema Khan conveyed that Senate nominations should be finalised through consensus, a subsequent list of candidates released by Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, a close aide to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, featured names that appeared to contradict those consultations. Aleema’s statement had also been reinforced by a post on Imran Khan’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Protesters went as far as to call the exclusion of Irfan Saleem an “organized conspiracy,” questioning the leadership’s decision to favour political investors over grassroots workers. They warned that decisions made in isolation, without transparency or consultation, would not be accepted by the party base.
“This is not the PTI we stood by for years. Sidestepping committed members sends the wrong signal to the party and the people,” said one demonstrator.
The officially announced Senate candidates include Murad Saeed, Pir Noorul Haq Qadri, Faisal Javed, and Mirza Afridi for general seats; Azam Swati for the technocrat seat; and Robina Naz for the women’s seat.
The episode highlights growing internal strains within PTI as it navigates a turbulent political landscape and prepares for upcoming legislative challenges.
