PTI Senate Ticket Disputes Intensify Amid Barrister Saif Resignation Threat; PML-N, JUI-F, PPP Seat Shares Highlighted

Intense disputes have emerged within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding the allocation of Senate tickets ahead of the upcoming Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The opposition is strategizing to maximize its influence, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led alliance holding 33 seats in the KP Assembly after reserved seat members are sworn in, which secures them one Senate seat. However, with support from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F)'s 16 members, the alliance could potentially secure up to four seats. Within PTI, internal conflicts have intensified, highlighted by threats of resignation from Barrister Saif over ticket nominations. Criticism has also been directed at PTI leadership for perceived inconsistencies, such as the candidacy of Mirza Afridi while other leaders like Fawad Chaudhry face restrictions. The seat distribution formula in the Senate is reportedly designed to benefit both PTI and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), with PPP receiving one additional seat. Observers note that Senate elections in KP and Balochistan have increasingly become dominated by wealthy individuals, suggesting a need for broader consensus within PTI on various issues beyond Senate seats.