PESHAWAR: The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is facing internal differences over the mode of proposed February 8 agitation.
PTI, along with allied opposition parties, has called a nationwide protest for February 8, to mark the anniversary of February 8, 2024 general elections and to protest what they allege was a “rigged” or stolen mandate in those polls.
This friction came to the surface during a meeting of PTI lawmakers from KP, which was convened on February 2 at the KP House in Islamabad.
The party sources told Geo News that a Member of the National Assembly from KP expressed dissent and opposed the proposed lockdown and road blockades scheduled for February 8 during the meeting.
MNA Shahid Khattak argued that a lockdown and closure of roads would adversely affect the people of the province. He maintained that the KP people had given PTI their mandate and that protests within the province would serve no purpose.
The sources quoted Shahid Khattak as saying that imposing a lockdown and blocking roads in the province would create problems for the party itself. MNA Atif Khan reportedly endorsed Shahid Khattak’s stance during the meeting.Those privy to the meeting said Shahid Khattak suggested that a list should be prepared of those who do not participate in protests outside the Adiala jail.
During the meeting, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar reportedly voiced displeasure over the reservations expressed. He said the party leadership was under pressure from workers and questioned how many stakeholders could be appeased.
The sources quoted Junaid Akbar as responding to Shahid Khattak saying: “We have to appease Aleema Khan, workers and now you as well. How many people can we satisfy?”The PTI KP chapter chief said that if any decisive step was to be taken, then all members of the assemblies should resign. He added that everyone would have to head towards Islamabad for a long march to secure the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, PTI MNA Shahid Khattak, in a conversation with Geo News, said that everyone, including Junaid Akbar, had expressed views during the meeting. He confirmed that he had stated in the meeting that a lockdown would create difficulties for the people of the province.PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar declined to give comment on the matter when reached by this correspondent.
