PESHAWAR( Naimat Ullah) In a significant political development, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government and the opposition have reached a consensus to hold the upcoming Senate elections without contest. The agreement, finalized during a meeting between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and key opposition leaders, aims to prevent political friction and possible vote trading.
Sources confirm that the meeting included prominent figures such as Senators Talha Mahmood, Atta ul Haq Dervish, Sajjadullah, PML-N’s Dr. Ibadullah, and others. The participants agreed on a 6/5 seat-sharing formula under which Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will receive six Senate seats and the opposition will be allotted five.
As per the agreement, the opposition’s uncontested senators will be Talha Mahmood, Atta ul Haq Dervish, Rubina Khalid, Dilawar Khan, and Niaz Ahmed. PTI will put forward Murad Saeed, Faisal Javed, Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Azam Swati, and Rubina Naz.
Chief Minister Gandapur has reportedly recorded a video statement confirming the consensus, marking it as a move to foster unity and political maturity. However, the agreement is not without internal challenges. Sources reveal that some disgruntled PTI aspirants are resisting the deal, refusing to withdraw their candidacy.
To address these internal rifts, CM Gandapur is expected to form a reconciliation committee tasked with convincing unhappy PTI members to stand down in the interest of party unity and political stability. Despite direct and firm conversations with dissenting candidates, resistance remains, raising concerns about potential disruption.
The government is keen to avoid any possibility of horse trading, a practice that has marred past Senate elections in Pakistan. Ensuring uncontested elections for all 11 Senate seats from KP — including seven general, two women, and two technocrat seats — is seen as a strategy to maintain electoral integrity and avoid unnecessary political maneuvering.
The Senate elections in KP are scheduled for July 21. If successful, this agreement could serve as a model for other provinces, promoting clean and conflict-free electoral processes at the parliamentary level.
