PESHAWAR: Internal party conflicts and a lack of funding for workers’ transportation were reportedly the main reasons behind the lower-than-expected public participation in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Swabi rally on February 8, sources revealed.
Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party gathered in Swabi on February 8 to observe what they called a “black day,” marking the first anniversary of the 2024 general elections, which they claimed had robbed them of their mandate.
PTI has alleged widespread election rigging, an accusation that the coalition government denies.
Addressing the rally, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasized that Pakistan’s economic stability was closely linked to political stability and highlighted the need to address the country’s economic challenges.
According to party insiders, around 5,000 to 6,000 individuals attended the gathering, as many workers could not be transported to the venue.
Sources stated that the back section of the venue remained empty, and turnout from Mardan, Peshawar, and Malakand was lower than anticipated.
Reports suggested that some provincial assembly members and ministers lacked the necessary funds to arrange transportation for workers to attend the rally.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur received financial assistance requests from some parliamentarians, but sources said no additional funds were allocated for this event.
In the past, CM Gandapur had provided financial support to PTI lawmakers to mobilize workers for party rallies, sources added.
Speaking to the media, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif dismissed reports of a low turnout, insisting that the rally was successful and drew a large crowd. He also claimed that convoys coming from Punjab were blocked, affecting attendance.
Meanwhile, CM’s spokesperson Faraz Mughal confirmed that while the chief minister personally funded some lawmakers to help transport workers, no official funds were released.
PTI Peshawar Regional President Muhammad Asim also confirmed that no special financial assistance was given to lawmakers for the rally. However, he maintained that despite this, a significant number of workers participated in the event.
