PTI splits into three factions in Balochistan
Mumtaz Alvi
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khans tsunami appears to be slowing down if not reversing, as Balochistan chapter has split into three groups and they are up against each other after the party changed its policy despite resistance to accommodate veterans from other parties.
PTI Secretary General Dr. Arif Alvi, who landed in Quetta Monday morning, had to take cover in a nearby car, after some angry party activists outside the airport, thrashed Balochistan chapter president Qasim Suri.
The secretary generals objective during his stay was to chair a seminar and review preparations in connection with PTIs planned public meeting on April 16, which was earlier fixed for March 23.
The situation turned so ugly that the visiting secretary general had to cancel a seminar on labour at the Quetta Press Club the same afternoon. Till the filing of this report, he was staying at the residence of Suri, party sources in Balochistans provincial capital told The News.
This correspondent tried to get version of Dr. Alvi and Suri on the sorry episode, but there was no response from their side despite repeated attempts and even sending short messages on the secretary generals cell no.
After the partys October 30 rally, resentment has been raging in the ranks and files of the party and some activists, who were part of it since its launching in April 1996, had either left for good or opted for hibernation.
Anger and disenchantment is such that PTI today finds itself in three factions in Balochistan: one led by Qasim Suri; the other by Shakil Doda and the third one is called Seniors Group.
We had apprised PTI Chairman Imran Khan last time on January 14 in Islamabad of growing differences among party workers and ideological activists, who are averse to incorporation of politicians from diverse political background. Many had served in Musharrafs cabinet, said Akhtar Mandokhail, who has been member of PTIs Central Executive Committee.
He had resigned as CEC member after the party started embracing politicians from other parties, setting aide its ideological basis. Mandokhail also confirmed the unfortunate beating incident and said at that time, they were having meeting on how to respond to Dr. Alvis sudden visit, as they were not informed about it.
Asked in such grim situation, would party be able to put up an impressive public show on April 16, he expressed his uncertainty and said first, the leadership must pay attention to simmering differences in PTI ranks, particularly in Balochistan.
PTI splits into three factions in Balochistan