PTI Parliamentary Party Meeting in Peshawar
PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi successfully showcased his numerical strength during a parliamentary party meeting of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday, amid reports of simmering discontent among government lawmakers. More than 52 members of the provincial assembly attended the meeting, which was convened at the Chief Minister's House to address concerns regarding reported unrest within the ruling party's ranks. Former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was notably absent from the session.
Key Decisions and Attendance
Sources said the meeting also decided to formally brief the party's central leadership and Aleema Khan about the prevailing differences within the parliamentary party. CM Afridi is expected to meet Aleema Khan today (Tuesday). Addressing the participants, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that despite attempts by opponents to divide PTI lawmakers, the strong attendance at the meeting served as a slap on the face of those elements. We are all united under the flag of Imran Khan. No one can break us, nor can anyone force us to deviate from Imran Khan's ideology, Afridi said. He announced that he would visit PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail on Tuesday to meet him.
According to sources, out of the total 92 MPAs, 52 attended the meeting while around 40 could not participate. Government sources, however, claimed that nearly 72 members were present. Some lawmakers were reportedly abroad, while others cited personal engagements. Notably, several disgruntled MPAs also attended the session.
Chief Minister's Address
In his address, the Chief Minister welcomed the participants and stated that the large turnout despite negative propaganda proved the unity of the party behind Imran Khan. The agenda of the meeting included briefing lawmakers on Imran Khan's health condition and taking them into confidence regarding the upcoming provincial budget for the next financial year. CM Afridi expressed serious concern over Imran Khan's health, stating that 85 percent of the vision in one eye has been affected. He demanded that Imran Khan be provided proper medical treatment in a hospital of his choice in the presence of his family.
Regarding the budget, the Chief Minister said it would be a people-friendly budget that reflects Imran Khan's vision, with heavy investment in human development and public welfare projects never seen before. He also highlighted the alleged injustice being done to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, saying the province's gas and wheat supplies had been blocked. He added that the federal government had deducted Rs12 billion meant for the merged districts, while over Rs4,500 billion was still outstanding against the federation. We are struggling for the rights of the province in coordination with other parties as well. These are the resources and rights of the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and we must raise a collective voice for their recovery, Afridi emphasized.
