A parliamentary committee has asked all candidates to temporarily suspend the submission of their nomination papers
A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporter waves the party flag during a rally. PHOTO: FILE
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will officially announce its candidate and cover candidate for the vacant Senate seat today, party chief Junaid Akbar said in a statement on X on Monday.
In his message, Akbar wrote: “The parliamentary committee will formally announce its nominee and candidate for the vacant Senate seat tomorrow (Monday). Therefore, all workers are requested not to submit their nominations on Monday.”
پارلیمانی کمیٹی کا پہلا اجلاس منعقد ہو چکا ہے۔ پارلیمانی کمیٹی کل سینیٹ کی خالی نشست کے لیے اپنے امیدوار اور کورنگ امیدوار کا باضابطہ اعلان کرے گی۔ لہٰذا، تمام کارکنان کو ہدایت دی جاتی ہے کہ کل ہمارا کوئی بھی کارکن اپنے کاغذاتِ نامزدگی جمع نہ کرائے۔ پارلیمانی کمیٹی کے اعلان کے…
– Junaid Akbar (@JunaidAkbarMNA) April 5, 2026
He added that the nominated candidates will submit their documents on Tuesday, ensuring a coordinated and strategic approach by the party for the upcoming senatorial elections.
The development comes as sources within the PTI said the party was embroiled in an internal conflict over its sole Senate seat in the upcoming by-election, with nearly a dozen party members throwing their hat in the ring.
The position became vacant after the PTI senator-elect was disqualified before even taking the oath of office, sparking what many insiders describe as a “civil war” within the party for the prestigious seat. The contest has sparked heated debates on social media, with workers and managers arguing bitterly over who deserves the ticket.
Learn more: PTI grapples with ticket break in Senate
According to the sources, applications for the ticket were submitted by several personalities, including former provincial minister Shaukat Yousafzai, Peshawar district president Irfan Saleem, Faizur Rehman, Salarzai, Sajjad Bangash, Rasool Gul, Rahmat Kundi and several others.
A war of words also broke out among senior party leaders. Many workers and mid-level leaders are demanding that the seat go to a candidate who has made significant sacrifices for the party and for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan’s schedule, nomination papers will be submitted on April 6 and 7. PTI sources said potential candidates would submit their nomination papers during these two days, and the parliamentary council is expected to announce its final choice a day before the last date for withdrawal of nominations.
