Boycott of by-elections exposes divisions within PTI

LAHORE: Internal differences within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have come into the open over the party’s decision to boycott the by-election in Lahore’s PP-167 constituency.

The issue has reportedly split the party leadership into two camps, with several senior PTI leaders expressing reservations about the decision to stay away from the polls.

According to party sources, these leaders believe the boycott was unnecessary and inconsistent with the party’s stated policy.

They argue that the PTI founder and incarcerated former premier Imran Khan had instructed a boycott only in constituencies where lawmakers were de-seated following convictions, and that PP-167 does not fall under that category. As such, they say the constituency should not have been included in the boycott decision.

The formal announcement of PTI’s decision not to contest the by-election was made earlier by the party’s Central Information Secretary. However, the move has triggered debate within the party, with some leaders insisting that participation in the election would be politically prudent, while others maintain that a boycott aligns with the party’s broader stance.

The by-election in PP-167 is scheduled to be held on February 4, amid growing uncertainty over PTI’s final position and internal cohesion.