Internal Tensions Erupt During PTI Parliamentary Party Meeting in Peshawar

Updated: 1:45 PM PKT — June 1, 2026

The internal rifts within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter escalated following a heated exchange in a WhatsApp group between Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and former CM Ali Amin Gandapur. Ahead of a parliamentary party meeting, Afridi alleged an “internal general” had conspired with an “external general” and that a senior party figure pledged to bring down the provincial government. He claimed elements were trying to sabotage the meeting, which was later marked by the absence of over 30 lawmakers according to party sources.

In response, Gandapur sharply criticised the chief minister for making accusations without naming individuals, questioning his ability to govern the province and accusing him of distributing “certificates of treason.” Following the public dispute, the party has formed a six-member committee headed by former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser to resolve the internal differences. The committee will serve as a coordination body among party members and a consultative forum for provincial leadership.