Peshawar: Sharp divisions emerged at a Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) core committee meeting as members traded accusations over the failure of the long march, leadership arrests and the end of the party’s government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
According to details of the meeting obtained, Salman Akram Raja said preparations for the march had been inadequate. He said ambitious claims by the leadership and provincial government had not reflected conditions on the ground.
Raja said his visit to Swabi revealed insufficient arrangements for workers’ accommodation and tents.
When turnout in Mardan fell short, he said he questioned Shafi Jan, who told him that only 20 of 90 provincial assembly members were in contact. The remaining members, according to that account, were neither making preparations for the march nor responding.
Raja said General Secretary Ali Asghar had assured him that an alternative plan existed. However, when he sought details, he was simply told not to worry and that everything would work out.
He said this lack of communication was not unprecedented, adding that Ali Amin Gandapur had also withheld details when asked about plans before previous protests.
Mashal Yousafzai told the meeting that the party was in difficulty and needed to contact Barrister Saif. She described him as the person capable of resolving its problems and the only person who could secure a meeting with Imran Khan.
Yousafzai levelled serious allegations against the former KP government, claiming that corruption had proliferated under Sohail Afridi. She alleged that Afridi and his cabinet had favoured their own associates instead of addressing public problems.
She further claimed that Afridi’s performance over the preceding year had turned people against PTI. She said Saif would convey the entire situation to Khan.
Responding, Hafiz Farhat cautioned against making accusations against someone who was absent and unable to answer. He questioned the wisdom of attacking the party because of hostility towards an individual.
Taimur Jhagra acknowledged shortcomings in the planning and execution of the march but said Afridi could not bear sole responsibility.
He said everyone shared responsibility and directly addressed Raja and Barrister Gohar, telling them that, as party leaders, they also needed to accept accountability.
Jhagra said that while events had not unfolded well, criticism should not be driven by hatred.
Taimur Malik expressed full agreement with Yousafzai and called for immediate contact with Saif. He said the party had made a serious mistake by not accepting the government’s position.
Haleem Adil Sheikh claimed that all matters with the government had been settled before a telephone call from Mahmood Khan Achakzai to Afridi changed the situation.
According to Sheikh, Achakzai told Afridi that he would withdraw his support if Afridi signed the draft. Sheikh alleged that Achakzai persuaded Afridi not to accept the document, undermining the party’s plan.
The core committee decided to appoint Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif as its representative for matters concerning Adiala jail.
The meeting also considered a proposal to dissolve the political committee and transfer decision making authority to the parliamentary committee. Final endorsement of that proposal would be sought from the party core committee constituted by Imran Khan.
