PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Mashal Yousafzai secured a decisive victory in the Senate by-election held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, becoming the youngest senator in Pakistan’s history.
Backed by PTI founder Imran Khan, Mashal received 86 votes, defeating the joint opposition’s candidate Mehtab Zafar, who managed 53 votes. Independent candidate Saima Khalid secured just one vote, while two votes were rejected.
Mashal Yousafzai is widely known for her close association with Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister Imran Khan. She has served as Bushra Bibi’s personal spokesperson and remained active during the legal proceedings involving the former first lady.
Her trusted proximity to the Khan household elevated her standing within the party, especially after May 9, when many senior PTI leaders were arrested or distanced themselves from party affairs.
Speaking to the media after her win, Mashal thanked Imran Khan for placing his trust in her, and also acknowledged the support of PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and the party workers. She said, “This victory is not for me alone; it is a vote for Imran Khan’s vision and ideology.”
She clarified that three PTI votes were rejected, one MPA was unwell, and no PTI member had voted for any other candidate. “I haven’t met my leader in five months, but he continues to guide us from prison,” she added.
Mashal, who previously served as PTI’s provincial information secretary, gained recognition for her frequent media appearances and vocal defense of the party during periods of political unrest. Her elevation to the Senate is being seen as a symbolic gesture acknowledging her loyalty, the inclusion of youth, and the empowerment of women within the party.
After casting his vote, CM Gandapur left the KP Assembly and declined to comment on the convictions of PTI leaders. When asked by journalists, he responded briefly that vote counting was still underway and left without further remarks.
