PTI, TTAP rift deepens after alliance snubs rally invite

ISLAMABAD: The rift within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has widened after its ally, the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan, declined a formal invitation to participate in a planned April 19 rally, highlighting growing divisions within the party and tensions over decision-making.

Party sources and a TTAP office-bearer said TTAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai refused to attend the rally, citing concerns that holding the event in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa would be ineffective and that the alliance had not been consulted prior to its announcement.

PTI K-P leader Atif Khan contacted TTAP representatives, including spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain and later Achakzai himself, seeking their participation in the rally scheduled in Mardan.

A senior PTI office-bearer confirmed that Achakzai had declined the invitation, describing the decision as justified and pointing out that the alliance had been sidelined on multiple occasions, including during the formation of the “release force” for Imran Khan and announcements of earlier rallies.

The official said repeated unilateral decisions by PTI’s K-P leadership had contributed to the strain, adding that younger leaders were acting independently without broader consultation. He also pointed to recent remarks by senior figures as evidence of internal discord.

Criticism has also emerged over the role of the central leadership, particularly Gohar Ali Khan and Salman Akram Raja, with some party members alleging a lack of clear direction and failure to build leverage for negotiations with the government.

Another party leader claimed that the KP leadership, including the chief minister and his team, were pursuing a more assertive approach and were aligned with Aleema Khan, while viewing the central leadership as overly conciliatory.

Tensions were further inflamed by reported remarks from PTI leader Shahid Khattak, who allegedly suggested stripping Achakzai and another ally of their positions, drawing criticism from within the party.

Responding to the situation, PTI central spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram acknowledged differences within the party, saying the TTAP had reservations regarding the rally and that a meeting would be convened to address the concerns.

TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain confirmed that the alliance had not been consulted ahead of the rally announcement but said he was unaware of the outcome of direct discussions between PTI leaders and Achakzai.

The latest developments underline growing internal challenges for the PTI as it attempts to maintain unity within its ranks and coordination with allied groups.