In a sudden political twist in Peshawar ahead of the Senate elections, four dissident candidates have unexpectedly withdrawn from the race. The candidates—Ayesha Bano, Waqas Orakzai, Irshad Hussain, and Irfan Saleem—announced their decisions late last night, with emotional video statements that captured the gravity of their departure, particularly those of Ayesha Bano and Irfan Saleem, both visibly moved to tears.
Reliable sources suggest that a fifth disgruntled candidate, Khurram Zeeshan, is still officially in the race, though government insiders indicate he may also withdraw before polling begins. Should he follow suit, the remaining candidates may be elected to the Senate unopposed—an outcome that would mark a significant political shift.
In her video message, Ayesha Bano described her decision as extremely difficult but rooted in principle. She emphasized that the party’s survival owes much to the sacrifices and tireless efforts of its workers. Directing her message at party leadership, she urged them not to test loyal members repeatedly, adding that their withdrawal had no personal motive—it was purely a matter of principle.
Meanwhile, Irfan Saleem’s video statement also stirred emotions, as he tearfully declared that this was merely a “trailer,” hinting at deeper dissatisfaction. He reinforced the importance of party workers, calling them the real strength of any political movement, and warned against underestimating their resolve.
All eyes are now on Khurram Zeeshan to see whether he follows the same path or contests the election, potentially reshaping the current political narrative. With Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa scheduled for today, a full withdrawal could lead to an uncontested victory for the remaining candidates—an outcome being viewed as a major political development.
Political observers believe these coordinated withdrawals might be the result of a behind-the-scenes government-opposition deal, which could lead to uncontested Senate seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
