PTI faces divisions over September 27 call

The internal details of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party meeting have emerged, with

The internal details of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party meeting have emerged, with lawmakers from Punjab raising concerns over the party’s strategy for the proposed long march and alleged lack of consultation before announcing the September 27 call.

According to sources, Punjab-based lawmakers expressed reservations during the meeting, saying they had not been properly consulted before the announcement of the protest call. Members reportedly questioned the decision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar to announce the September 27 mobilisation without taking all relevant party leaders and lawmakers into confidence.

The issue of the proposed street movement also came under discussion during the meeting. Sources said Sohail Afridi had sought the views of PTI’s four regions in Punjab regarding the launch of a street movement and the party’s future course of action.

According to sources, the North Punjab region opposed the proposed street movement and conveyed its reservations about the plan. However, members from South Punjab took a different position and decided to invite Sohail Afridi to participate in the street mobilisation.

The differing positions from various regions highlighted divisions within the party over the timing and strategy of the proposed movement. Members also discussed the need for greater coordination and consultation before taking major political decisions.

During the meeting, PTI leader Firdous Shamim Naqvi briefed participants about the strategy being considered for the long march. The discussion reportedly focused on the party’s political and protest strategy and the need to organise workers and lawmakers ahead of the planned mobilisation.

Punjab lawmakers also expressed concern over the absence of several central party leaders from the meeting. Members questioned the non-participation of key leaders and stressed the importance of their presence and coordination in such meetings, particularly when the party is preparing for a major political movement.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, an Islamabad anti-terrorism court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and three other PTI leaders.

The warrants were issued against Sohail Afridi, Meena Khan Afridi, Shahid Khattak and Shafi Jan in a case registered at Ramna Police Station in Islamabad.

The court directed the SHO of Ramna Police Station to arrest the four accused and produce them before the court. The accused have been nominated in a case registered under terrorism and other relevant provisions of the law.