PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has intensified efforts to engage with members of his party amid reports that some PTI lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding governance and administrative matters in the province.
According to sources, the chief minister has begun a series of contacts and meetings aimed at addressing reservations raised by certain members of the provincial assembly and strengthening party unity.
Late-Night Meeting with MPA Abdul Ghani Afridi
Sources said that Sohail Afridi visited the residence of MPA Abdul Ghani Afridi late at night, where the two leaders held discussions on a range of issues.
The meeting is being viewed as part of the chief minister’s efforts to maintain communication with lawmakers and address concerns that have reportedly emerged within the parliamentary party.
While details of the discussions were not officially disclosed, party insiders suggested that issues related to development, governance, and constituency matters were discussed.
Telephone Contacts with Several Lawmakers
According to party sources, the chief minister also contacted a number of assembly members by telephone.
These conversations reportedly focused on listening to lawmakers’ concerns and finding ways to address issues raised by elected representatives.
The outreach comes after reports indicated that some PTI lawmakers had reservations regarding governance, administrative performance, development funding, and other provincial matters.
Concerns Conveyed to Central Leadership
Sources within PTI said that several lawmakers have also informed the party’s central leadership about their concerns.
The issues reportedly communicated include:
- Governance challenges
- Administrative matters
- Development priorities
- Distribution of resources
- Representation within government structures
Party leaders are said to be monitoring the situation closely in an effort to maintain cohesion within the provincial government.
Central Leadership Encourages Reconciliation
According to PTI sources, the party’s central leadership has advised the chief minister to engage with dissatisfied lawmakers and address their concerns in a constructive manner.
The leadership reportedly emphasized the importance of ensuring that party members feel adequately represented and that their issues receive proper attention.
Sources added that efforts are being made to accommodate lawmakers where possible and to improve communication between the government and assembly members.
Abdul Ghani Afridi Describes Meeting as Development-Focused
Following the meeting, Abdul Ghani Afridi issued a statement describing the discussions as focused primarily on the development needs of Khyber District.
He said that he and the chief minister exchanged views on various matters related to the district’s progress and public welfare.
According to Afridi, the meeting also included detailed discussions on problems faced by local residents and potential measures to address those challenges.
His statement did not directly reference reports of dissatisfaction within the party.
Political Context
The developments come shortly after reports suggested that a number of PTI lawmakers were unhappy with certain aspects of provincial governance and were considering discussions regarding their concerns.
Those reports were subsequently denied by provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan, who stated that PTI lawmakers remained united under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and that speculation about internal divisions was unfounded.
The latest outreach by the chief minister is therefore being closely watched as an effort to strengthen party coordination and address concerns through dialogue.
Importance of Party Unity
Political analysts note that maintaining strong communication between a chief minister and members of the provincial assembly is essential for effective governance.
Regular engagement helps ensure that constituency concerns are conveyed to the government and that lawmakers remain involved in policymaking and development planning.
Observers say that efforts to resolve concerns through consultation can contribute to greater political stability and administrative effectiveness.
Conclusion
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has stepped up contacts with PTI lawmakers amid reports of concerns among some members of the provincial assembly. Through meetings, telephone conversations, and engagement with party representatives, the chief minister appears to be seeking consensus and addressing issues raised by elected members.
While party officials continue to emphasize unity within PTI, the ongoing consultations highlight the importance of dialogue and coordination in managing internal concerns and advancing the province’s development agenda.
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