Tensions erupted in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party meeting, leading to the meeting being cancelled after a heated debate between newly appointed parliamentary leader Shahid Khatak and Senator Dr Zarqa.
According to sources, Shahid Khatak protested Senator Zarqa’s presence in the meeting, alleging that she had compromised on the 26th Amendment.
He reportedly told the meeting, “Either Dr Zarqa sits here, or I do.” Following the confrontation, Shahid Khatak left the session, and several other members followed him.
Senator Zarqa, speaking separately, described herself as an honourable woman and said, ”She will no longer tolerate such treatment as I was specifically targeted.”
She added that she had sent a clear message to the party leadership, demanding either clarification from the party or her removal.
Despite the clash, Senator Zarqa expressed respect for Shahid Khatak, calling him a good person and stating that she holds no personal grievance against him.
However, she clarified that Ali Zafar remains her parliamentary leader, not Shahid Khatak.
Sources say the confrontation is linked to differences over the 26th Amendment, during which Senator Zarqa reportedly had cut off party contact.
Shahid Khatak, meanwhile, stated that Zarqa would not be allowed to attend future meetings, emphasising that anyone not aligned with PTI’s ideology would not be part of the parliamentary group.
The incident highlights internal tensions within PTI, particularly regarding loyalty and leadership alignment, ahead of key parliamentary sessions.
