PESHAWAR – July 18, 2025 – The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is in the throes of a political storm as PTI faces internal revolt over Senate ticket dispute in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Deep-rooted discontent has surfaced over the party’s controversial Senate ticket distribution, particularly the denial of a ticket to long-time worker Irfan Saleem — a decision that has outraged party organizers and grassroots supporters.
In an emotionally charged press conference held in Peshawar, senior PTI office-bearers strongly opposed the leadership’s choice, calling it a betrayal of the party’s ideological foundation. They demanded the immediate allocation of a Senate ticket to Irfan Saleem, warning of severe consequences if their call went unheeded.
“We are not making demands out of personal interest,” stated a party organizer. “This is about standing up for the values initiated by Imran Khan, who founded this party to represent the common people — not to serve financial backers.”
The leaders announced a series of protests, including demonstrations outside the Provincial Assembly, Chief Minister’s House, and the private residences of Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) who vote against their demand. They threatened to block MPAs from casting their votes on the day of the Senate election if the ticket is not awarded to Saleem.
Growing Anger Over ‘ATM Culture’
One of the most pointed criticisms by PTI workers was directed at what they describe as the “ATM culture” — a term commonly used to denote influential wealthy individuals who allegedly secure political power through financial contributions rather than loyalty or grassroots service.
“Tickets are being handed to ATMs, not workers,” they declared, accusing the leadership of sidelining genuine party representatives. “This Senate ticket issue is not just a political disagreement — it’s an ideological battle.”
The workers alleged that the ticket distribution process had been manipulated to benefit wealthy elites rather than deserving party workers. This dissatisfaction has fueled suspicion that backdoor deals were made to allow certain candidates to be elected unopposed — a move they vowed to resist with full force.
Irfan Saleem Remains Defiant
Despite mounting pressure from within the party’s upper ranks, the protesting group asserted that Irfan Saleem will remain in the race. They firmly rejected any possibility of his withdrawal, claiming that he represents the true spirit of PTI.
“We have the support of 13 to 15 MPAs,” they claimed. “If the leadership refuses to listen to its base, we will initiate a province-wide movement after the Senate elections. We will not let anyone walk over the rights of party loyalists.”
Wider Tensions Within PTI
This is not the first time PTI has faced internal friction. Earlier this week, Barrister Saif, a senior party figure, also threatened to resign over what he called a lack of transparency and disregard for senior voices in the Senate nominations. This growing dissent reflects deeper fractures within the party as it prepares for critical legislative battles.
As PTI faces internal revolt over Senate ticket dispute, analysts suggest that the crisis could escalate further if the leadership continues to ignore the growing rift between the party’s top brass and its grassroots base.
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