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PTI Warns Disgruntled Senate Candidates to Withdraw or Face Action
PTI signals action if disgruntled Senate candidates don’t withdraw by Sunday. Barrister Gohar confirms party decision for uncontested elections on 6 seats.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-19
PTI Warns Disgruntled Senate Candidates to Withdraw or Face Action

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a stern warning to its disgruntled Senate candidates to withdraw their nomination papers by Sunday or face disciplinary action, signaling a possible showdown within the party.

According to sources, the ongoing agreement between the government and opposition for uncontested Senate elections on six seats — reportedly five for the ruling alliance and one for PTI — could collapse if the dissenting candidates choose to proceed with their contest.

Party insiders revealed that two internal meetings were held to persuade the rebellious candidates to step down in line with the party’s political strategy. However, the matter has now been escalated to PTI's political committee after the candidates refused to comply.

Speaking to the media, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that one of the meetings included Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and several Senate candidates. The second round of talks was conducted via video call, which the disgruntled candidates did not attend.

As a result, the political committee ratified the parliamentary party’s decision to support uncontested elections for six Senate seats, aligning with the agreement reached with the government.

Barrister Gohar expressed hope that the remaining PTI candidates would respect the party’s final decision. “If they fail to withdraw their nomination papers, the party will reconsider its strategy and may take action against them,” he warned.

One of the dissenting candidates, Irfan Saleem, responded by stating he would consult with party workers before making any final decision. “The Political Committee’s recommendation will be reviewed with the grassroots before a conclusion is reached,” he said.

Background and Implications

The Senate elections in Pakistan often become a litmus test for party unity and parliamentary strategy. PTI’s internal divisions have raised concerns about the party’s ability to maintain discipline as it attempts to navigate the evolving political landscape post-2024 elections.

Should the disgruntled candidates move forward with their nominations, it could result in a direct contest on Senate seats, effectively dissolving the rare consensus struck between the opposition and government.

The coming 48 hours are crucial, as Sunday marks the deadline for the withdrawal of nomination papers. The party leadership is under pressure to ensure discipline while safeguarding its political bargaining power in the upper house.

 
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