PESHAWAR (Kashifuddin Syed): A lack of control by the central leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), coupled with internal differences and an uncertain political climate, has caused the party to split into several distinct factions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Behind-the-scenes contacts and political manoeuvring for the chief minister’s chair have intensified as various leaders actively mobilise their supporters in the provincial assembly.
Sources reveal that efforts are underway to destabilise the current government setup, with some circles trying to topple Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, while many other lawmakers silently wait for the administration to collapse under the weight of its own internal rifts.
Currently, the largest faction in the provincial assembly consists of more than 20 members who are deeply angry with Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi. While this group is not openly supporting any specific alternative leader, its members are refusing to take part in any open rebellion or conspiracy, choosing instead to watch the situation unfold quietly.
The second largest group comprises more than 15 assembly members, including both former and current cabinet ministers, who are actively working to bring former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur back to power. This group argues that governance was superior under Gandapur’s tenure, bureaucracy was kept under control, lawmakers’ issues were resolved, and political uncertainty was kept at bay.
Meanwhile, a third faction consisting of more than 12 assembly members is actively backing the Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Babar Saleem Swati. Supporters of this group position Swati as an excellent administrator who maintains good relations with the leadership of both the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Swati also holds a strong stance regarding the establishment and enjoys significant popularity within PTI’s social media circles, leading his backers to believe he is the strongest candidate for the chief ministership should Afridi face legal or political disqualification.
A fourth group of 12 to 15 assembly members is rallying behind Asif Mehsud from South Waziristan. The son of PTI Senator and close Imran Khan aide Dost Muhammad Khan, Mehsud is viewed as a dynamic and aggressive leader whose uncompromising stance on the establishment and constant networking with fellow lawmakers are rapidly strengthening his political position.
In contrast, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi currently commands the weakest group within the party. Sources note that several members of his own cabinet are estranged from him, leaving him with only a handful of close associates willing to stand by his side. Consequently, no one steps forward to defend the Chief Minister or his government when they face criticism. However, because Afridi was directly nominated by party founder Imran Khan, most disgruntled assembly members are still avoiding any open or public speech against him.
