Differences have emerged within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party over the party’s plan to stage a protest on February 8, sources said on Wednesday.

According to sources, the differences appeared during a meeting of the PTI parliamentary party held to discuss the party’s strategy for the protest, including the blocking of roads across the province.

PTI MNA Shahid Khattak strongly opposed the idea of blocking streets, warning that the move would prove counter-productive as it would cause trouble for the public.

Khattak emphasised that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had entrusted the party with a mandate, and it was crucial that the protest not create problems for citizens.

The sources added that MNA Atif Khan supported Khattak’s stance, and the discussion increasingly centred on devising a protest strategy that would avoid disrupting daily life and public convenience.

The meeting also touched on the creation of a list of party members who might not participate in protests outside Adiala Jail and other locations.

Khattak recommended ensuring full presence and cooperation from all members.

PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar appeared visibly frustrated during the meeting, the sources said.

Party sources said he pointed out that the party faced pressure from workers and urged every member to clarify their position.

Challenging Khattak, Akbar reportedly said that if party members were serious, all of them should resign and launch a long march to Islamabad for the release of PTI’s founder.

He added that despite making efforts for Khan’s release, the party faced criticism, calling for unity and decisive action.

Speaking to AAJ News, Shahid Khattak said that everyone expressed their opinions in the meeting.

He said he made it clear in the meeting that lockdowns or road closures could inconvenience the public, and that was why the measure was not given consideration.