PTI Archives - Daily Soon Times

PTI announces boycott of AJK Legislative Assembly elections, demands dialogue and poll review

Dua Sehar6 hours ago02 mins

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially announced a comprehensive boycott of the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, stating that the current political and security environment does not permit a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. Following a high-level meeting of its Core Committee, PTI described the decision as a principled stand…

Barrister Gohar Rules Out Government Talks, Rejects PTI AJK Election Boycott Claims

Dua Sehar1 day ago02 mins

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has ruled out any ongoing negotiations with the federal government, clarifying that recent contacts have not progressed beyond an offer for dialogue while rejecting reports that the party plans to boycott the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. Speaking to reporters outside the Peshawar High…

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a show-cause notice to Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Iqbal Afridi over allegations of repeatedly violating party discipline and engaging in conduct that the party claims has harmed its unity and public image. According to the notice, signed by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Iqbal Afridi has been directed to submit a written explanation within seven days. The notice warns that failure to provide a satisfactory response could result in disciplinary action, including the cancellation of his basic party membership and expulsion from PTI. The notice alleges that Afridi has repeatedly displayed inappropriate behavior toward fellow PTI lawmakers during parliamentary proceedings. Party leaders claim that several incidents involving arguments and confrontations were recorded on camera and widely circulated on television channels and social media platforms, damaging the party’s reputation. PTI also accused Afridi of using offensive language against fellow members and acting against parliamentary party decisions inside the National Assembly. According to the party, such actions undermined collective decision-making and disrupted party discipline. In addition, the notice claims that Afridi behaved inappropriately toward both senior and junior National Assembly staff members, further affecting PTI’s public image. One of the major allegations relates to an incident outside Adiala Jail on June 23, where PTI supporters had gathered to express solidarity with party founder Imran Khan. According to the notice, Afridi was allegedly involved in planning an attack on fellow party members, while one of his associates reportedly assaulted several PTI lawmakers during the confrontation. Party officials described the alleged incidents as serious misconduct that violated the PTI constitution and damaged internal unity. The leadership stated that disciplinary proceedings became necessary after repeated complaints regarding Afridi’s conduct. According to party sources, the decision to issue the show-cause notice was finalized during a recent PTI parliamentary party meeting, where members discussed Afridi’s repeated confrontations with fellow lawmakers. The lawmaker has recently been involved in several public disputes, including arguments with PTI leader Junaid Akbar during a parliamentary session and another confrontation with MNA Sibghatullah outside Adiala Jail. These incidents reportedly contributed to the party’s decision to initiate formal disciplinary action. PTI leadership has maintained that party discipline is essential for maintaining unity and organizational stability, emphasizing that every elected representative is expected to follow party policies and respect internal procedures.

Dua Sehar5 days ago02 mins

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a show-cause notice to Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Iqbal Afridi over allegations of repeatedly violating party discipline and engaging in conduct that the party claims has harmed its unity and public image. According to the notice, signed by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Iqbal Afridi has…

Imran Ismail Calls for Political Dialogue to Resolve Pakistan’s Challenges

Dua Sehar2 weeks ago02 mins

Former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has called for political dialogue and negotiations, stating that Pakistan’s ongoing political challenges can only be resolved through constructive discussions among stakeholders. Speaking at a seminar organized by the National Dialogue Committee in Lahore, he emphasized the importance of reconciliation and consensus for ensuring long-term political stability. During his address,…

Imran Khan Taken to PIMS for Medical Treatment, Says PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar

Dua Sehar3 weeks ago02 mins

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has claimed that party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan was taken from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for medical treatment before being shifted back to prison. According to Barrister Gohar, Imran Khan underwent a medical check-up and received an injection…

ISLAMABAD: Political tensions have intensified in Gilgit-Baltistan days before the June 7 Legislative Assembly elections, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf alleging pre-poll manipulation, selective restrictions and pressure on its candidates, while the election administration and federal government have rejected accusations of bias. The controversy sharpened after former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser said PTI would launch street agitation if the elections were not held in a transparent manner. He also called the party’s decision not to protest after the February 2024 general elections a mistake, indicating a harder line if the GB results are disputed. On May 29, PTI’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa president and MNA Junaid Akbar Khan, along with party lawmakers Saleemur Rehman, Syed Mehboob Shah and Dr Amjad Ali Khan, were stopped at a police checkpost in Ghizer district while returning from campaign activity. Authorities said they did not have the required no-objection certificate for public gatherings. PTI termed the move deliberate obstruction, while police said no arrests were made. Ad powered by advergic.com On Saturday, Qaiser alleged that Punjab Police stopped him from reaching Islamabad airport, causing him to miss a scheduled flight to Skardu. He criticised curbs on PTI leaders taking part in the campaign. PTI has contrasted these restrictions with the visible campaigning of rival parties, noting that PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique addressed several public gatherings across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday. Federal ministers Atta Tarar and Amir Muqam have also remained active in campaign activities in different districts. PTI allegations and official response In its formal response, PTI alleged a wider pattern of administrative pressure beyond the reported incidents involving its leaders. The party said election commission officials had approached some candidates and encouraged them to leave PTI and run on government-backed tickets. It also referred to a notice issued to the mother of former chief minister Khalid Khurshid over the display of election posters, describing it as an instance of selective enforcement. PTI candidates are mostly contesting as independents after reportedly being unable to obtain the party symbol, a factor the party says has complicated its position in the election. Ad powered by advergic.com Punjab Police confirmed on May 31 that more than 5,000 personnel would be deployed for election duty in Gilgit-Baltistan. Authorities have described the deployment as part of standard security planning, but questions have been raised over its scale and whether similar arrangements were made in previous elections in the region. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry dismissed PTI’s allegations and said the government had no interest in disrupting the electoral process. He said the restrictions affecting Asad Qaiser were linked to security concerns rather than politics. The Gilgit-Baltistan election administration has also denied favouring any party. Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan said the code of conduct was being applied equally and stated that show-cause notices had also been served on candidates from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party for violations. Institutional friction deepens Ad powered by advergic.com Institutional tensions also widened when Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi wrote to the chief justice of the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court, calling the reported restrictions “deeply disturbing” and seeking judicial intervention to ensure a level playing field. On Sunday, the chief election commissioner responded by saying the letter had no legal status and constituted interference in the electoral process. The exchange between the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and the GB election authority has added to the strain surrounding the vote just days before polling. Political backdrop The present confrontation comes against the backdrop of major political change in Gilgit-Baltistan. PTI won the 2020 elections and formed the government under Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid. However, after his disqualification by the GB chief court in July 2023, a coalition made up of PTI dissidents, PPP and PML-N lawmakers took power and later elected Haji Gulbar Khan as chief minister. Ad powered by advergic.com PTI is now attempting to regain ground in the region without its electoral symbol and while alleging tighter campaign conditions and administrative pressure. The assembly completed its five-year term in November 2025. Elections were initially set for January 24 but were delayed because of severe winter conditions. June 7 was later chosen as the only practical date before the start of Muharram in mid-June, which otherwise could have pushed polling into late summer or early autumn. With voting day approaching, PTI has already indicated that it will not accept a disputed outcome in Gilgit-Baltistan in the way it says it did after the February 2024 general elections.

Dua Sehar1 month ago05 mins

Political Tensions Rise in Gilgit-Baltistan Ahead of June 7 Assembly Elections ISLAMABAD – Political tensions are intensifying in Gilgit-Baltistan as the region prepares for Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for June 7, 2026. The upcoming vote has become the focus of growing controversy, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) alleging pre-poll manipulation, selective restrictions, and administrative pressure…

Law Minister Aqeel Malik Rejects Claims of 28th Amendment Rolling Back 18th Amendment

Dua Sehar2 months ago02 mins

State Minister for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik has rejected claims that a proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment would roll back the landmark 18th Amendment, calling such assertions misleading and baseless. Speaking during a televised discussion, Aqeel Malik clarified that no formal work is currently underway on any constitutional amendment. However, he acknowledged that discussions on broader…

Sindh Assembly Rejects Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Resolution on May 12 Victims Amid Tense Session

Dua Sehar2 months ago02 mins

A tense session of the Sindh Assembly unfolded as a resolution presented by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to pay tribute to victims of the May 12, 2007 incident was rejected by the speaker. The resolution was introduced by PTI parliamentary leader Shabbir Qureshi after the day’s official agenda had concluded. He emphasized that several pro-democracy groups…

PTI Slams Government Over High Lead Exposure in Children Across Pakistan Cities

Dua Sehar2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

A serious public health concern has emerged in Pakistan after a recent study revealed alarming levels of lead exposure among young children. The findings have triggered strong criticism from Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), which has accused the federal government of failing to protect children from environmental hazards. According to a joint study conducted by the Ministry…

PTI and JI Intensify Efforts to Unseat Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab Amid Governance Concerns

Dua Sehar2 months ago02 mins

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) have intensified their political efforts to bring a no-confidence motion against Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, signaling a growing alliance between the two opposition parties in the city’s political landscape. A key meeting was held at Idara Noor-i-Haq where senior leaders from both PTI and JI discussed their joint strategy,…