The funeral of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Shakeel Ahmad, who was assassinated last week, has buried many political assumptions, according to analysts. The event, held in his hometown, drew thousands of mourners but also highlighted simmering tensions within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and between the party and the provincial establishment.
Assassination and Immediate Aftermath
Shakeel Ahmad, the provincial minister for local government, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on April 12, 2025, in Dera Ismail Khan. The attack shocked the province and prompted widespread condemnation. The funeral, held on April 13, was attended by top PTI leaders, including Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, but notably absent were key figures from the opposition and some PTI dissidents.
According to security officials, the funeral procession passed through sensitive areas, requiring heavy police and paramilitary presence. The event was largely peaceful, but the underlying political rifts were unmistakable.
PTI Internal Divisions Exposed
The funeral laid bare the factional rifts within the PTI. Sources within the party told reporters that several lawmakers from the province skipped the funeral, citing security concerns or prior engagements. However, political observers believe the absences reflected deeper disagreements over the party's direction and the handling of the assassination investigation.
“The funeral was a mirror to the party’s internal fractures,” said Dr. Rizwan Ullah, a political analyst at the University of Peshawar. “Many PTI members are unhappy with the leadership’s response to the killing, and this was evident in the low turnout from certain districts.”
Assumptions About Political Unity Shattered
The funeral also challenged assumptions about political unity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For years, the PTI had projected an image of a cohesive party with strong grassroots support. However, the event revealed that the party is deeply divided along regional and personal lines.
“The assumption that the PTI is a monolithic party has been buried with Shakeel Ahmad,” commented journalist and analyst Zahid Hussain. “The funeral showed that even in tragedy, political rivalries persist.”
Furthermore, the absence of opposition leaders from the funeral broke the assumption that political differences are set aside during such events. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Awami National Party (ANP) did not send high-level representatives, citing scheduling conflicts but also signalling their strained relations with the PTI.
Impact on Provincial Politics
The assassination and its aftermath are expected to have significant repercussions for provincial politics. The PTI government, already facing criticism over law and order, now must contend with internal dissent. The funeral also highlighted the security challenges in the province, particularly in the southern districts where the attack occurred.
Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, speaking at the funeral, vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. “We will not rest until the killers are caught and punished,” he said. However, analysts question whether the government can deliver on this promise given the complex security situation.
According to official statistics, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen a 15% increase in targeted killings in the past year, with many victims being political figures. The province remains a hotspot for militant activity, despite ongoing military operations.
Broader Implications for PTI
The funeral has implications beyond the province. For Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government, the event underscores the fragility of the PTI’s coalition and the challenges of maintaining party discipline. The assassination has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s security policies.
“This funeral has buried the assumption that the PTI is a disciplined party with a clear chain of command,” said political commentator Murtaza Solangi. “The party’s leadership now faces the difficult task of mending fences and addressing the grievances of its members.”
As the investigation into Shakeel Ahmad’s murder continues, the political fallout is likely to persist. The funeral, intended to be a moment of unity, instead became a stark reminder of the divisions that plague the PTI and the province.
