KP govt, opposition reach agreement for unopposed Senate elections

Peshawar: An agreement has been reached between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the opposition for uncontested Senate elections.

A significant development has emerged as both sides have agreed to hold unopposed Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to sources, the agreement was finalized during a meeting between Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and opposition leaders. The Chief Minister has also recorded a video message confirming the consensus.

The meeting was attended by Senator Talha Mahmood, Atta-ul-Haq Dervesh, Sajjadullah, PML-N’s Dr. Ibadullah, and others.

Sources say that a 5/6 formula was agreed upon, under which Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will receive six seats, and the opposition will receive five seats.

Under the agreement, opposition candidates  Talha Mahmood, Atta-ul-Haq Dervesh,  Rubina Khalid, Dilawar Khan, Niaz Ahmed will be elected unopposed to the Senate.

From the PTI side, candidates Murad Saeed, Faisal Javed, Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Azam Swati, Rubina Naz will be elected unopposed.

Sources also stated that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will attempt to appease the dissident candidates within his party through a dedicated committee to maintain consensus and avoid internal rifts.

Reportedly, the Chief Minister spoke to party members over the phone in a firm tone, urging them to cooperate. However, the disgruntled candidates are currently unwilling to back down. The government is striving to secure all 6 seats uncontested to prevent horse-trading.

It is worth noting that elections for 11 Senate seats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are scheduled to be held on July 21, which include 7 general seats, and 2 each for women and technocrats.