Imran seeks report on PTI upset in Bajaur bypoll

PESHAWAR: In a surprising upset in the Bajaur by-election, the PTI suffered a significant setback, which did not receive much media coverage.

Despite holding provincial government control, PTI’s candidate, Rahat Ullah, finished fourth, dealing a major blow to the party.

Founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has expressed concern over the party candidate’s defeat and internal discord, seeking a report from the provincial leadership. Previously, Mubarak Zeb, the brother of late Rehan Zeb, against the party wishes won this seat in the by-elections. However, he later vacated the provincial assembly seat after securing both the National and provincial assembly seats.

ANP’s candidate, Nisar Baz, defeated PTI nominee Rahat Ullah, who finished fourth in terms of votes. Najibullah, son of former governor Shaukat Ullah, came in second, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Abid Khan secured the third place.

Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information, informed this correspondent that during a meeting on Friday, Imran Khan expressed concern over the party’s defeat and internal disagreements in Bajaur. Khan has sought a report from the provincial leadership. “The main reason for the defeat in Bajaur were internal party rifts. The PTI suffered due to disagreements over ticket allocation,” said Saif.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also taken note of the defeat and party divisions.

Nisar Baz of the ANP secured 11,926 votes, succeeding in his first political endeavor. Najibullah Khan, an independent candidate and son of former Governor Engineer Shaukatullah Khan, secured 10,622 votes for the second place. Abid Khan of Jamaat-e-Islami obtained 10,593 votes, securing the third place. Rahatullah of the Sunni Ittehad Council received 7,146 votes and was on the fourth spot. Independent candidate Akhtar Gul received 3,556 votes for the fifth place, while Abdullah of Pakistan Peoples Party secured 519 votes, coming in sixth. Another independent candidate, Noor Shah, secured 260 votes and stood seventh.

“One of the reasons for the defeat was the anti-establishment agenda of ANP candidate, who targeted institutions in his speeches,” Saif added.