Chairman of Khan-led party confirms member resignations amid reports of internal rifts

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of Pakistan's largest opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Friday confirmed reports of resignations within PTI but stated that none had been accepted. This comes amidst reports of deepening leadership crisis following the resignation of PTI’s nominated Secretary General, Salman Akram Raja, who cited “personal reasons.”

Adding to the turmoil, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, leader of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and a PTI ally, resigned from both the National Assembly and PTI’s Core Committee.

The party is grappling with internal divisions after its failed attempt to stage a sit-in at D-Chowk, Islamabad, to demand the release of jailed party leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The protest ended in violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, leaving at least 10 dead and dozens injured.

PTI’s stance on the crisis

Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Barrister Gohar outlined PTI’s position and reaffirmed the party’s resolve. He dismissed criticism of the leadership, calling it an attempt to deflect from the broader political issues.

“The criticism of our leadership is merely a diversion from the real problem,” Gohar stated. He also affirmed PTI’s commitment to its cause, declaring, “Our movement for our demands will continue.”

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Challenging the government’s handling of the protest, Gohar said, “The authorities must explain why our peaceful protest was met with such a severe response.”

He rejected claims that PTI leaders abandoned supporters during the sit-in, clarifying that no directives were issued for senior members to approach the protest site.

Barrister Gohar defended the commitment of PTI members, emphasizing their loyalty and sacrifices. “Our MNAs have made sacrifices and rejected ministries,” he said, reiterating the party’s dedication to its ideology.

Addressing speculation about Bushra Bibi’s involvement, Gohar clarified, “Bushra Bibi has no political role, and her participation in the protest was entirely voluntary.”

He also announced plans to consult with PTI’s founding members to strategize the party’s next steps.

‘Protest is democratic right’

The PTI chairman underscored the importance of peaceful protests in a democracy, stating, “Public protest is a fundamental right in any democracy; merely sitting in the Cabinet and Parliament is not democracy.”

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Criticizing the government’s use of force against demonstrators, Gohar condemned the violent response. “Shots should not have been fired,” he remarked, adding that PTI had provided verified information about casualties, claiming 12 lives were lost.

“We believe in truth,” he asserted, dismissing allegations that the party had exaggerated casualty figures.

Governor’s rule in KP?

Gohar dismissed rumors and misinformation aimed at discrediting PTI. “Those spreading false news to weaken PTI will not succeed,” he declared.

He differentiated between the party and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, stating, “Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government are two separate entities.”

Addressing speculation about governor’s rule, Gohar asserted, “Governor’s rule cannot be imposed on a large party like PTI, which holds a majority in Pakistan’s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

A day earlier, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, revealed that the federal cabinet had considered imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, no consensus was reached, and the matter was deferred for further deliberations.