'Internal party strife, fund shortage' cause low turnout at PTI Swabi rally

• Rear part of arena remained empty during rally, say sources.
• They say CM Gandapur was requested for financial support.
• Adviser to CM Barrister Saif dismisses claims of low turnout.

PESHAWAR: Internal party strife and a shortage of funding for workers' conveyance supposedly contributed to the below anticipated public participation in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Swabi rally on February 8, the sources told Geo News.

Supporters of the former prime minister Imran Khan's party had gathered during a rally in Swabi on February 8, to protest what they called a black day, to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 general elections, when, they said, their mandate was stolen.

The party has alleged that elections were heavily rigged, an allegation the coalition government denies.

Addressing the gathering, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that Pakistan's economic stability was interlinked with political stability, stressing the need to address economic challenges being faced by the country.

Around 5,000 to 6,000 individuals attended the gathering, according to party insiders, because many workers could not be brought.

According to the sources, the rear part of the arena remained empty during the rally. Supporters from Mardan, Peshawar and Malakand particularly turned out lower than expected to attend the public gathering.

As per reports, some provincial assembly members and ministers lacked the necessary funding to provide workers with transportation to the event.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had received requests for financial support from a few parliamentarians, but according to the sources, no extra funding was allotted for the event this time.

In the past, CM Gandapur used to provide funds to PTI lawmakers for mobilising workers for party rallies, sources said.

Speaking to Geo News, Adviser to Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif dismissed claims of a low turnout, insisting that the rally was successful and attracted a large crowd. He also alleged that convoys coming from Punjab were blocked, affecting attendance.

Meanwhile, CM’s spokesperson, Faraz Mughal, told Geo News that while the chief minister had personally funded some lawmakers to help bring workers to the event, no official funds were released.

PTI Peshawar Regional President Muhammad Asim, speaking to Geo News, confirmed that no special financial assistance was provided to lawmakers for the rally. However, he maintained that despite this, a significant number of workers participated in the event.