Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leadership is facing internal divisions over the party’s protest strategy planned for February 8. Differences emerged as several lawmakers opposed road closures and a province-wide shutdown, citing public inconvenience and political risks.
The protest call was announced by the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-Pakistan alliance. The strike marks the second anniversary of the 2024 general elections. PTI has repeatedly alleged that the elections were manipulated and that the public mandate was violated.
Sources said the PTI KP parliamentary party met to finalize its protest approach. However, the meeting exposed sharp disagreements among senior leaders. The debate mainly focused on whether Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should participate in road blockades.
MNA Shahid Khattak argued that protests in KP lacked justification. He said voters had already given PTI a clear mandate in the province. Therefore, he warned that lockdowns would directly harm citizens and disrupt daily life. He also cautioned that such actions could weaken PTI’s political standing in KP.
MNA Atif Khan supported Shahid Khattak’s position during the discussion. He echoed concerns about public hardship and administrative paralysis. Moreover, Khattak suggested compiling a list of party members who skipped earlier protests outside Adiala Jail.
Tensions reportedly escalated when KP PTI President Junaid Akbar expressed frustration. He questioned the leadership’s attempt to satisfy multiple pressure groups. He argued that constant appeasement was creating confusion and weakening party discipline.
Later, Shahid Khattak confirmed that all participants expressed their views freely. He reiterated that his objection focused on public suffering. He stressed that protest strategies must not alienate citizens who supported PTI.
Earlier, the opposition alliance reaffirmed plans for a nationwide shutdown on February 8. The alliance described the strike as a decisive step for restoring constitutional rights and protecting the vote. It again claimed that large-scale electoral irregularities occurred during the 2024 elections.
The growing divide within PTI’s KP leadership highlights internal challenges ahead of the protest. While some leaders favor confrontation, others urge restraint. As February 8 approaches, the party faces a critical test of unity, strategy, and public perception.
