PTI Workers Threaten Protests Over Senate Ticket Denial to Irfan Saleem
PESHAWAR — Internal rifts within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intensified on Thursday as party office-bearers in Peshawar publicly demanded a Senate ticket for Irfan Saleem, warning of large-scale protests if their demand is not met.
At a press conference, PTI’s organizational members denounced the party’s decision to overlook Irfan Saleem, calling it a “betrayal of party ideology.” They announced that failure to grant him the ticket would lead to demonstrations outside the Provincial Assembly, the Chief Minister’s House, and even the homes of sitting MPAs.
“Irfan Saleem will remain in the race — his nomination will not be withdrawn under any circumstances,” said the group, reaffirming his candidacy.
The protesting PTI members alleged that the party leadership is favoring wealthy individuals, whom they referred to as “ATMs,” over long-time grassroots workers. “Tickets are being handed to financial backers, not genuine party workers,” they claimed, accusing the leadership of sidelining those loyal to the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan.
They also warned of disrupting the Senate election process:
“No MPA will be allowed to cast their vote on election day if our demands are ignored. We’ll surround the assembly and launch a sit-in outside the CM House.”
The leaders further alleged that attempts were underway to elect certain candidates unopposed and insisted that Irfan Saleem had the backing of 13 to 15 MPAs.
“This is an ideological battle started by Imran Khan, and we will take it to the finish line,” they vowed.
The faction threatened to launch a broader movement after the Senate elections if Irfan Saleem is denied a ticket, highlighting growing cracks within PTI’s organizational structure amid its controversial ticket distribution process.
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