Khan’s former aide loses party membership over ‘controversial tweets’

Former prime minister Imran Khan’s party — the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) — terminated on Thursday the basic membership of one of its popular members, singer Salman Ahmad, citing his repeated controversial social media posts that allegedly targeted the party and its leadership.

Ahmad, a founding member of the renowned Pakistani band Junoon, served as Khan’s focal person on culture during his tenure, which concluded in 2022.

Before the PTI assumed power in 2018, Ahmad frequently appeared at the party’s rallies, performing party anthems and revolutionary songs.

In a letter addressed to Ahmad, PTI Chairman Barrister Gauhar Ali Khan accused the singer of spreading division among party members and supporters.

The letter referenced a series of "unwarranted and scurrilous posts" on X, including those critical of the family of Imran Khan.

PTI letter addressed to Salman Ahmad.Courtesy: PTI

“You are aware of those posts, including the posts against the family of Imran Khan,” Gauhar wrote, emphasizing that the party had repeatedly warned Ahmad to cease such activity. “The party had dissociated itself from your conduct and statements and had warned you about the consequences of your conduct.”

The letter detailed that the PTI's core committee had issued press releases cautioning Ahmad to refrain from making objectionable statements but noted his persistent defiance. “You continued to defy the instructions of the Founder Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf despite repeated warnings,” it stated.

“Your basic membership is hereby terminated, and you are expelled from the Party with immediate effect. You are further asked never to show any affiliation with PTI,” the letter concluded.

Ahmad has yet to respond publicly to the termination of his membership. His handle on X, @sufisal, has been active with posts critical of the PTI leadership in recent months.

This move highlights PTI's increasingly strict stance against dissent within its ranks as it navigates a challenging political climate. Ahmad’s removal comes at a time when the party is grappling with internal divisions and external pressures as Khan continues to remain imprisoned.