Shafi Jan rejects claims of forward bloc, backs Sohail Afridi at PTI meeting

A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary meeting began late on Sunday night amid internal speculations, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan strongly dismissed reports of formation of any forward bloc in the party.

Speaking to the media, Shafi Jan said the parliamentary meeting had officially started, adding that “all the progress and arguments being circulated will eventually die down,” suggesting unity within the party ranks.

Responding to claims about the possible emergence of a forward bloc, he said if such a group was ever formed, it would not succeed. “People will come forward, but these speculations have no substance,” he remarked.

He rejected reports circulating about internal numbers and alleged defections, stating that claims of “20 or 50 MPAs” leaving the party were baseless. “No one can even name two out of 27, and whoever tries will later deny it themselves,” he added.

Shafi Jan issued a strong warning against political realignment within the province, saying that anyone attempting such moves would face serious political consequences. “If anyone takes such a step, KP’s political ground will be narrowed for them,” he said.

He asserted that those aligned with the party founder’s line would not compromise on party discipline, adding that anyone deviating from it would see their political influence end.

Reaffirming internal unity, Shafi Jan said that all MPAs fully trust Sohail Afridi, and reiterated that he had been nominated as Chief Minister by party founder Imran Khan.

The statements come amid ongoing political speculation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where discussions around party alignment and internal groupings continue to surface in political circles.

Sohail Afridi reaffirms unity, budget vision and stance on Imran Khan

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi, while addressing a parliamentary party meeting, said that the participation of a large number of Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) was a clear reflection of unity within the party despite what he termed ongoing propaganda.

The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, cabinet members, and MPAs, who joined the chief minister for a detailed discussion on political and governance matters.

Welcoming the participants, CM Afridi said he appreciated the lawmakers for attending in large numbers, adding that the opposition’s efforts to create divisions had failed. “No one can break us or divert us from Imran Khan’s ideology,” he said, claiming that unity within the ranks was a response to opposition narratives.

He said the main agenda of the meeting was to brief lawmakers on the health situation of party founder Imran Khan as well as the upcoming provincial budget for the next financial year.

The chief minister alleged that due to what he called the “stubbornness of the fake government,” Imran Khan’s eyesight in one eye had been severely affected, and expressed concern over his reported lack of access to medical treatment. He demanded that Imran Khan be treated by doctors and hospitals of his own choice in the presence of his family.

Afridi reiterated that the upcoming provincial budget would reflect what he described as Imran Khan’s vision, focusing on public welfare and development projects. He said the budget would be “people-friendly” and would include initiatives that had never been introduced before in the province.

He alleged that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rights were being withheld, claiming reductions in gas and wheat supplies and financial deductions affecting the merged districts. He stated that Rs 12 billion had been deducted from the merged districts this year, while more than Rs 4,500 billion was owed by the federation to the province.

Afridi said the provincial government was engaging with other political parties to raise a unified voice for the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressing that these resources belonged to the people of the province and must be secured.