KP’s Political Rivals Find Common Ground
Politics in Pakistan often leans toward confrontation, but this time in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), things took a different turn. In a surprising show of cooperation, leaders from PTI and the opposition quietly reached a consensus on what’s now being called the Uncontested Senate Elections in KP. No polling, no public clashes, just names finalized, seats divided, and a rare moment of political calm.
Who’s In? A Look at the Names Finalized
The deal gives six seats to PTI and five to the opposition. Among the names finalized by PTI are Murad Saeed, Faisal Javed, Azam Swati, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Mirza Afridi, and Rubina Naz, all known figures within the party ranks. On the other side, the opposition has put forward its own set of nominees: Rubina Khalid, Dilawar Khan, Talha Mehmood, Attaul Haq, and Niaz Ahmad. So far, the agreement appears to have satisfied both camps, though how long that peace holds remains to be seen.
Gandapur Breaks the News, Standing Beside Opposition Leaders
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur didn’t just issue a press note, he stood beside opposition members in a video message, announcing the Uncontested Senate Elections in KP himself. A public gesture like that is rare, especially with how politically charged things have been lately. His message was clear: “Let’s move forward without unnecessary fights.” Sources say that behind closed doors, Gandapur even reached out to disgruntled PTI members who were unhappy about being left out of the ticket list, trying to calm tensions within his own party.
PML-N Steps Aside: A Surprise Twist
In what many are calling a strategic sacrifice, PML-N gave up its claim to the minority seat. Instead, they allowed the JUI-F candidate to step forward. This shift helped keep the broader opposition alliance united, and, more importantly, helped close the deal with PTI.
Letting go of that seat may have been the move that kept the whole deal from collapsing.
Assembly Set to Convene July 20
With the names locked in, the KP Assembly has been called to meet on July 20. During this session, new members, especially those on reserved seats for women and minorities, are expected to take their oaths.
Once this session concludes, the uncontested Senate seats will be considered finalized.
Signs of Internal Conflict Inside PTI Leadership
While the arrangement may seem smooth on paper, PTI’s internal unity tells a different story. Some party members, Irfan Saleem, Ayesha Bano, and Khurram Zeeshan, were not included in the final list for the Uncontested Senate Elections in KP, and they’re not staying quiet. The trio has shared their frustrations directly with PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja, pushing back against the nominations. A meeting between them and Chief Minister Gandapur is reportedly in the works. In an effort to contain the fallout, PTI has formed a three-member committee to review objections and try to settle the unrest before it spirals.
A Calm Before the Next Storm?
This deal might be a smart move to avoid unnecessary conflict, but whether it holds is a different question. PTI still needs to resolve internal differences. The opposition, for now, seems united, but history shows that can shift quickly too. Even so, in the context of KP’s usual political climate, this quiet agreement is something out of the ordinary. In a time of frequent clashes, that alone is newsworthy.
