Bushra Bibi’s driver has been nominated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as a covering candidate for a Senate seat from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, drawing attention to internal party decisions ahead of the upcoming election. The move comes as PTI finalizes its lineup for the vacant general seat in the Senate.
According to party sources, Irfan Saleem has been selected as the main candidate, while Bushra Bibi’s driver, Ghulam Badshah, has been included as one of the covering candidates. Sajjad Mohmand has also been named in the same category. The inclusion of Bushra Bibi’s driver has sparked discussion within party circles.
The Senate seat became vacant after the disqualification of former senator Murad Saeed. The Election Commission of Pakistan had declared the seat vacant following his conviction in a May 9-related case by an anti-terrorism court. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison under constitutional provisions, which led to his disqualification.
Sources said that consultations were held between PTI leadership and opposition figures over the selection of candidates. Names of several individuals were discussed, including Akhundzada Hussain Yousafzai, who was reportedly proposed by opposition leaders. However, PTI’s parliamentary board rejected that proposal and finalized Irfan Saleem as its main nominee.
Some party members expressed reservations over the choice of candidates, while others raised concerns regarding internal disagreements. Reports also suggest that different leaders had varying opinions on the final list, with debates continuing over who should be included as a covering candidate alongside Bushra Bibi’s driver.
The Election Commission has already announced the schedule for the Senate by-election. Polling for the vacant seat will be held on April 23 at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. The process includes scrutiny of nomination papers, filing of appeals, and finalization of the candidate list before the vote.
With Bushra Bibi’s driver now part of the covering candidates list, PTI’s internal decisions have gained attention at a time when the party is navigating political and legal challenges while preparing for the Senate by-election in KP.
