ISLAMABAD: A majority of PTI lawmakers on Tuesday opposed further efforts to negotiate with the powers that be, arguing that the latter had already secured what they wanted, and that pursuing further talks would “only show weakness”.
Several members also expressed dissatisfaction with the party leadership’s handling of the prevailing challenges, questioning its decisions and overreliance on then-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sohail Afridi.
Heated arguments were witnessed during a joint parliamentary party meeting that lasted over seven hours, with some questioning why the top leadership had handed so much authority to Mr Afridi, who, they said, held no position within the party hierarchy.
On the other hand, around 15 lawmakers favoured supporting the proposed 28th Amendment, arguing that it could help normalise relations with the establishment and pave the way for the release of Imran Khan.
The meeting, held at Parliament House to discuss the prevailing political situation and the party’s future strategy, was chaired by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, Senator Ali Zafar and Chief Whip Malik Amir Dogar were in attendance.
An insider, requesting anonymity, said that most participants, including Mr Qaiser, had rejected further efforts to negotiate.
Some criticised Barrister Gohar and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, questioning why the party leadership appeared to be functioning under Mr Afridi. They alleged that the top leadership had left everything to the KP chief minister, who had become non-functional after the imposition of governor’s rule in KP, because of its interest in transfers, postings and financial matters in the province.
Public support
The insider said members believed that although morale had declined following the PTI government’s removal in KP, the party had not lost public support.
Another participant said Mr Qaiser presented a pre-written declaration containing points that had not been discussed at the meeting, annoying several members. At this, Faisal Amin Gandapur reacted by asking, “Is this a joke?” and walked out following an exchange with Barrister Gohar.
Mobeen Arif Jutt questioned why the party was not speaking up for leaders who were in jail or in hiding, saying he felt embarrassed when speaking to them. He also criticised opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, alleging that Mr Achakzai had contacted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz after his son was arrested near Kharian and stayed in Lahore until his son was released.
Azam Swati urged Barrister Gohar and his colleagues to step down, while MNA Shah Ahad also criticised the leadership. Peshawar MNA Sher Ali said party leaders were receiving calls asking them to surrender to the police or face police raids on their homes.
Consultations go on
After the meeting, party whip Amir Dogar said several prevailing issues had been discussed, but decisions would be taken after consultation with leaders of the opposition in both houses. This was the first session and another meeting would follow, he said.
Senator Ali Zafar said the meeting had discussed possible future decisions and that committees, to be headed by the opposition leaders, would be formed.
Media reports suggested that some lawmakers, including Ali Muhammad Khan, walked out of the meeting before it concluded.
Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026
