Islamabad: Sources within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have claimed that Sohail Afridi did not consult the party’s central leadership before announcing a planned protest outside Parliament and a sit-in against the passage of the federal budget.
The development has sparked discussion within political circles regarding coordination between party leaders and opposition groups ahead of the upcoming budget session.
Protest Announcement Made Without Consultation, Sources Say
According to party sources, Sohail Afridi announced the proposed protest without informing or consulting PTI’s central leadership.
Sources further stated that neither senior opposition leaders nor members of the party’s top leadership were involved in discussions regarding the decision before it was made public.
The reported lack of consultation has raised questions about whether the protest reflects an official party strategy or an initiative taken independently.
Imran Khan Has Delegated Decision-Making Authority
PTI sources indicated that party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has entrusted opposition leadership with the authority to make decisions regarding political strategy and protest movements.
According to the sources, matters involving demonstrations, parliamentary actions, and broader opposition coordination are generally expected to be discussed collectively before announcements are made.
The sources emphasized that consultation among opposition stakeholders remains an important aspect of decision-making.
Shafii Jan Defends the Decision
Responding to the controversy, Shafii Jan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Information and Public Relations, said the decision to announce a protest outside Parliament House was made by Sohail Afridi in his capacity as a chief executive.
He stated that Afridi would act in what he believes to be the best interests of both the province and the party.
According to Shafii Jan, the move should not be viewed as unusual, adding that political leaders often make decisions based on their assessment of the prevailing situation.
Opposition Leadership to Be Informed
Shafii Jan also said that the leadership of the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan alliance and other opposition figures would be informed about the decision.
He maintained that opposition parties would be briefed regarding the proposed protest plans and that communication with allied groups would take place.
His remarks suggest that consultations may occur after the announcement rather than before it.
Background of the Protest Threat
The controversy stems from comments made by Sohail Afridi following his return from Adiala Jail on the previous day.
While speaking to the media, Afridi warned that if attempts were made to politically marginalize his party, PTI supporters would stage a sit-in outside the National Assembly on June 10.
He further stated that protesters would seek to prevent the passage of the federal budget, signaling a potentially confrontational approach during the budget session.
Political Significance of the Budget Session
The federal budget is one of the most important legislative measures considered by Parliament each year, outlining government spending priorities, taxation policies, and economic plans.
Any large-scale protest during the budget proceedings could intensify political tensions and draw significant public and media attention.
Analysts note that opposition parties often use budget sessions to highlight political grievances and challenge government policies, but coordination among opposition leaders is typically crucial for effective parliamentary strategy.
Awaiting Official Party Position
As of now, PTI has not issued a detailed official statement clarifying whether Sohail Afridi’s announcement represents the party’s formal position.
The reported differences over consultation and decision-making have fueled speculation about internal coordination within the opposition camp.
With the federal budget approaching and political activity intensifying, attention is likely to remain focused on whether the proposed June 10 protest proceeds and how PTI’s central leadership responds to the announcement.
About The Author
