Sabir Aman
The unprecedented popularity of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has both advantages and disadvantages for the two districts of Chitral. Outclassing its rival parties in the previous election, the Imran Khan-led party has demonstrated that Chitral has become one of its strongest strongholds.
However, this widespread popularity has also created a challenging situation for the local leadership.
Supporters now expect them to deliver on promises and bring tangible improvements to their lives. Yet, the elected representatives find themselves constrained by the central leadership’s priorities, which largely revolve around the release of the party’s incarcerated founder, Imran Khan.
With the lone MNA, Abdul Latif, languishing in jail for his unwavering support to the party chief, the local leadership appears to be under considerabble pressure. Though Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi and MPA Fateh-ul-Mulk Nasir are making efforts to meet supporters’ expectations, the enormous challenges facing the scattered population of Upper and Lower Chitral require substantial financial resources to address.
Amid a strained financial situation – and with the provincial government’s focus primarily on securing Imran Khan’s release – there appears to be limited scope for extending full financial support to Chitral’s elected representatives.
Adding to the complexity, internal competition and a “most-loyal” mindset have emerged among local leaders and party activists. Many consider themselves to be the most devoted to the party and are reluctant to grant equal status to others. This tendency became evident after the disqualification of Abdul Latif as MNA, when several PTI activists began covertly lobbying to secure the party ticket even before the court process had concluded.
Despite these challenges and internal divisions, PTI supporters in Chitral remain steadfast in their loyalty to the party and its leadership. The dilemma faced by the PTI’s elected representatives from Chitral could be eased if the central and provincial leadership treat the region as a special case, given its unique geographical isolation and strategic importance.