PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi administered the oath on Sunday to 25 opposition MPAs elected on reserved seats after the provincial assembly failed to meet quorum earlier in the day.
The KP Assembly session, scheduled for 9am, began after a two-and-a-half-hour delay but was promptly adjourned to July 24 when PTI MPA Sher Ali Afridi pointed out the lack of quorum.
The session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, was expected to see the swearing-in of 21 women and 4 minority MPAs-elect. However, it took place without their oath-taking, putting the Senate polls, scheduled for July 21, in uncertainty.
In light of the impasse, opposition parties, including the PPP, filed a petition in the Peshawar High Court, urging the chief justice to appoint a person to administer the oath.
Acting on the petition, the Peshawar High Court directed Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to oversee the ceremony, which was held at the Governor’s House.
Among those who took oath were seven women each from JUI-F and PML-N, four from PPP, two from ANP, and one from PTI-Parliamentarians. Minority representatives included Askar Parvez and Gurpal Singh (JUI-F), Suresh Kumar (PML-N), and Bihari Lal (PPP).
Law Minister Aftab Alam confirmed that the PTI parliamentary party had boycotted the session, citing internal dissatisfaction. “Our lawmakers are unhappy and chose not to attend today’s session,” he said.
The governor-led oath-taking helped resolve the deadlock and ensured the newly elected MPAs on reserved seats could participate in the upcoming Senate elections.
Opposition leader talk
Speaking to media before the start of session, KP Assembly Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah stated that if quorum is pointed out, the opposition has options. "The oath-taking will happen — if not today, then soon — unless PTI disrupts the process," he said.
He added that a formula has already been agreed upon between the opposition and government for the upcoming Senate elections. “If the oath is not administered today or tomorrow, we will approach the court,” he warned.
Dr Ibadullah further stated that the opposition has held talks with the government regarding the Senate polls, and internal PTI issues with disgruntled members are not their concern. “We remain firm on our stance regarding the Senate elections,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Senate election in KP has become a major challenge for PTI, as several dissident candidates—Irfan Saleem, Waqas Orakzai, Khurram Zeeshan, Irshad Hussain, and Ayesha Bano—have refused to withdraw their nominations. Internal rifts have surfaced within the PTI parliamentary party, with Mardan MPA Tariq Mahmood and former provincial minister Shakeel Khan publicly backing Irfan Saleem.
Barrister Gohar rules out any negotiations with dissidents
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali ruled out any further negotiations with the dissidents, calling it shocking that some PTI MPAs are supporting them. “The party’s decision is final, and there’s no confusion left. The Senate election will be held on July 21 without fail,” he asserted.
Read Also: PTI chairman says no more talks with disgruntled members ahead of KP Senate elections
PTI has decided to take strict disciplinary action against dissenting party members over the upcoming Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to sources, the party has made it clear that any member defying party decisions will face immediate consequences, including expulsion from PTI.
Speaking to Dunya News, Barrister Gohar Ali confirmed the decision and revealed that the dissenting members were called for a meeting yesterday (Friday) but failed to show up. “The Chief Minister and I waited for them, but they did not come,” he said.
He added that the matter was referred to the party’s political committee, which, after thorough consultation, directed the dissenting candidates to withdraw their nominations.
The government and opposition have decided to contest the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Senate elections jointly.
Also Read: Govt, opposition decide to contest KP Senate elections jointly
In a rare show of unity, the KP government and opposition parties — including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — have joined hands to block Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) dissident candidates in the Senate elections.
According to sources, both the ruling coalition and opposition parties in the KP Assembly have devised a joint strategy to ensure the victory of their 11 nominated candidates.
Special voting groups would be formed to oversee the election process, with provincial ministers supervising four groups of treasury MPAs.
Sources revealed that government MPAs would be gathered at the Chief Minister's House and escorted to the assembly in groups under supervision.
Similarly, opposition parties will oversee their three groups through parliamentary leaders.
In case of not following the party guidelines, a joint investigation would be launched by the government and opposition.
Meanwhile, the opposition expressed confidence in the government's commitment and measures, stating they are hopeful that all 11 candidates would be elected without any hurdle.