Differences emerged within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during a parliamentary party meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday. Members debated the party’s long march strategy, negotiations with the government and its internal discipline.
According to party sources, the parliamentary party expressed confidence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas.
Participants also agreed to strengthen the parliamentary party’s role alongside the party’s core and political committees. Furthermore, they criticised members who publicly made statements against their own colleagues.
Mashal Yousafzai Questions Long March Strategy
Sources said PTI Senator Mashal Yousafzai expressed reservations about Sohail Afridi and the opposition leadership.
She reportedly questioned the focus on organising a long march while party founder Imran Khan was unwell. According to sources, she argued that the leadership should prioritise negotiations instead.
In response, senior leader Asad Qaiser said Imran Khan had expressed confidence in Afridi and the other opposition leaders.
Shafqat Awan also urged Yousafzai to avoid accusing party members. He argued that leaders should focus on challenging the government rather than criticising their own colleagues.
Majority Reportedly Supports Negotiations
Most parliamentary party members reportedly supported continuing negotiations with the government. Sources said Noor-ul-Haq Qadri repeated the word “negotiations” three times during the meeting, prompting applause from participants.
The discussion reflects differing views within PTI over whether political dialogue or street mobilisation should take priority.
Meanwhile, the party also faced questions over discipline following disagreements involving its leadership.
Firdous Shamim Naqvi Resigns
The developments followed the resignation of Firdous Shamim Naqvi as PTI’s additional secretary-general. Naqvi said his decision did not stem from any grievance or disagreement. His resignation came after PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan directed him to issue a show-cause notice to Yousafzai over an alleged breach of party discipline.
Gohar had said he supported members’ right to express differences of opinion on the party platform.
The latest meeting highlighted the challenges PTI faces in balancing internal disagreements, negotiations and preparations for future political action.
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