Peshawar — Just a day before the Senate elections, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi administered the oath to 25 opposition-backed lawmakers elected on reserved seats at Governor House Peshawar. The move came in compliance with directives issued by the Peshawar High Court.
Among those sworn in were 21 women and 4 minority members. Earlier, a scheduled assembly session was adjourned due to lack of quorum, prompting the opposition to seek legal intervention.
Chaos in Assembly, Opposition’s Response
Speaker of the Assembly Babar Azam Swati adjourned the session until July 24 after PTI MPA Sher Ali Afridi pointed out the lack of quorum. The opposition strongly protested, expressing anger over what they called interference during the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Leader of the Opposition Dr. Iqbalullah Khan deemed the speaker’s move unconstitutional and announced that the opposition would pursue legal action.
Chief Minister Opposes Oath, Vows Legal Challenge
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur termed the oath-taking ceremony at Governor House unconstitutional. He cited Article 65 of the Constitution, arguing that the oath must be taken only on the assembly floor.
The chief minister announced that the provincial government would challenge the process in the Peshawar High Court. He confirmed that a petition had been prepared and would be filed as soon as the court reopens.
Senate Elections: Security on High Alert
The Election Commission confirmed that the Senate elections will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. in the Jirga Hall. To ensure transparent voting, directives have been issued to the IG Police, Chief Secretary, and Frontier Constabulary for foolproof security arrangements.
PTI Faces Internal Revolt
Discontent over the distribution of Senate tickets has intensified within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Several candidates have refused to withdraw their nominations under the agreed formula of six seats for PTI and five for the opposition.
The rebellious candidates — Irfan Saleem, Khurram Zeeshan, Waqas Orakzai, Syed Irshad Hussain, and Ayesha Bano — are resisting party pressure and demand that one seat each given to PPP and JUI-F be revoked.
In a press conference at Peshawar Press Club, former PTI leader Rehman Jalal warned the party leadership of protests if the ticket list was not revised.
PTI workers have launched vigorous campaigns both on social media and on the streets in favor of loyal candidates — Khurram Zeeshan, Irfan Saleem, and Ayesha Bano. These internal rifts have cast doubt over the possibility of uncontested Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
