PTI-backed independent candidate Khurram Zeeshan has been elected as senator on the general seat from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The seat was vacated after Shibli Faraz, the former opposition leader in the Senate, was disqualified following his conviction in cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots.
To win the seat, a candidate needed at least 75 votes. Zeeshan secured 91 votes out of the 137 cast by KP lawmakers, defeating Taj Mohammad Afridi, the opposition-backed candidate, who managed 45 votes. Out of the 145-member KP Assembly, eight members abstained, including four from the Awami National Party (ANP), while one vote was rejected.
After the win, Zeeshan expressed gratitude on social media, posting, “Thank God. Our priority is Pakistan’s haqeeqi azadi (true freedom).” The phrase echoed the slogan often used by PTI founder Imran Khan.
The polling process began at 9:30 am and concluded at 4 pm, supervised by provincial election commissioner Saeed Gul as the returning officer. Though three candidates were in the race, the main contest was between Zeeshan and Afridi. Another PTI-backed contender, Irfan Saleem, participated as Zeeshan’s covering candidate.
CM Afridi Promises Cabinet After Senate Polls
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also voted in the election and expressed support for Zeeshan through a post on his official X account. Afridi later announced he would unveil a “brief provincial cabinet” now that the Senate election had concluded.
Opposition lawmakers, however, have criticized PTI for delaying cabinet formation, claiming it has slowed government operations. They also warned that prolonged delays could trigger administrative instability or even emergency measures in the province.
Speaking to reporters in Peshawar, CM Afridi stated that PTI’s return to power for the third time was a result of its good governance. He expressed concern over not being allowed to meet Imran Khan, adding that if this continued, he would file a contempt of court case against the Adiala Jail administration.
Afridi also discussed counterterrorism talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, saying KP’s government was not consulted on major security matters. He emphasized that decisions should reflect the sacrifices of KP, where over 80,000 lives have been lost in the war against terrorism. The chief minister urged a clear national policy to end terrorism and called for accountability for those responsible for collateral damage in drone strikes.
