Eight Hours Expose the PTI Core Committee Split
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s core committee met for eight hours over two days but ended without adopting a single recommendation. The PTI core committee split over the party’s future course of action was on full display throughout the marathon session.
The most telling moment came when the top leadership refused to put proposals to a vote. That included a proposal to form a fact-finding committee. Without a vote, the meeting closed with statements but no decisions.
Why the Protest March Failed
A large part of the discussion centred on the failed protest march led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Participants traded competing explanations for why the march fizzled.
Some members pointed to the crowds. Turnout was large in Charsadda but dwindled in Mardan, and there were no arrangements at all in Swabi. Others blamed Afridi directly for poor planning. A third group questioned the core and political committees themselves, asking why it took them seven days to meet after the march collapsed.
The argument reflects a wider blame game inside the party. Each faction has its own version of what went wrong, and none of them has accepted responsibility.
The ‘Supra Committee’ Dispute
Members also raised a structural complaint. They alleged that a five-member “supra committee” has been bypassing the party charter and taking decisions on its own.
In response, participants proposed dissolving the political committee altogether and moving from individualised decision-making to a collective model. The proposal signals frustration with a small circle calling the shots while the wider leadership stays in the dark.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan pushed back on one idea in particular. He opposed the formation of a fact-finding committee, arguing the party should not “wash dirty linen in public”. His remark drew a line between those who want an open internal inquiry and those who fear it would deepen the crisis.
Achakzai Stays as Opposition Leader
One question did get an answer. Gohar confirmed that Mahmood Khan Achakzai remains the opposition leader, saying the appointment came on the orders of PTI founder Imran Khan. He also rejected claims that the party would contest elections under the TTAP banner.
After the meeting, the party issued a statement condemning the crackdown on its workers and vowing to challenge it on all forums. The statement also demanded protection for the province’s mines and minerals, a nod to the resource politics running through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa standoff.
A Party Under Pressure
The split comes at a difficult time for the PTI. The party faces the prospect of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a possible walkout from the assemblies, and a federal government that shows no sign of softening its stance.
The Afridi-led convoy’s march on Peshawar was meant to project strength. Instead, its failure has become the latest source of internal recrimination. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called governor’s rule a last option, but the warning itself shows how close the province is to a constitutional crisis.
Meanwhile, Achakzai has said the opposition will hold no talks without consulting Imran Khan, which keeps every negotiation tied to the party founder’s position from jail.
Whether a third meeting of the core committee can bridge the divide is unclear. No date has been set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the PTI core committee decide?
Nothing. After eight hours of discussion over two days, the committee adopted no recommendations after the top leadership refused to put proposals, including a fact-finding committee, to a vote.
Why did the Afridi-led protest march fail?
Participants offered competing reasons: crowds thinned from Charsadda to Mardan, there were no arrangements in Swabi, and the core and political committees took seven days to meet afterwards. Blame fell variously on Afridi and on the party structure.
Who is the opposition leader now?
Mahmood Khan Achakzai remains the opposition leader. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed the appointment was made on Imran Khan’s orders. Speaker Sadiq has meanwhile reached out to Fazl as efforts to end the deadlock continue.
Source: Dawn
