Senior leadership, lawmakers, and party organizers from all over the nation convened a high-level consultative meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad on Wednesday in response to growing internal concerns and public pressure.
The lack of a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan before the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) budget was approved was one of the main issues brought up during the joint session. Many members questioned why Khan’s order for party leadership to confer with him before proceeding was disregarded.
Shahid Khattak expressed particular worry, posing the question, “Why did Salman Akram Raja tweet otherwise if the budget had been approved by the political committee?” He pointed out that this paradox fueled misunderstandings and apparent splits within the party.
Barrister Gohar stresses unity and denies divisions
“We have no personal differences,” PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said in response to the accusations, adamantly disputing the existence of significant divisions inside the party. The purpose of today’s meeting was to promote unity. Insha’Allah, we are one party and will stay that way.
He underlined the necessity of patience and discipline among members and employees and stated that the party was ready to start a movement when directed by the founder.
Raja promises to keep up the legal and political battle
Salman Akram Raja, the secretary general of the PTI, promised party members that the party’s goal will not be hampered by the loss of reserved seats. “We won’t give up, even if our seats are taken and the judiciary is overburdened. “The Pakistani people will never forget,” he declared.
Despite the present political environment, he continued, PTI’s dedication to justice and accountability is unwavering.
Resolutions approved: Imran Khan’s release and the protest plan
During the meeting, the leadership passed a number of resolutions, one of which called for the release of Imran Khan, the founder of the party, and other political prisoners. Members also voiced grave concerns about the deaths and health issues of PTI employees who were released from prison.
At least ten laborers, including Yousuf Khan, Waqas Gujjar, and Iftikhar Jutt, died from serious illnesses like hepatitis and cancer after being imprisoned for an extended period of time, according to Sheikh Waqas Akram. Noting that many workers became ill while in jail or right after, he urged Pakistan’s top justice to launch an investigation into these fatalities.
Gandapur argues in favor of budget approval
Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of KP, defended his government’s choice to adopt the province budget in spite of the founder’s directives to postpone. “I recognized Khan Sahib’s reluctance to disband the provincial administration. I proceeded with the budget for that reason,” Gandapur clarified.
He praised the government’s work in KP, saying that during the previous 15 months, the provincial surplus had increased by Rs250 billion. He also emphasized the enactment of a tax-free budget and the reintroduction of the Sehat Card scheme.
He continued by denouncing the current administration for eroding popular confidence in state institutions, saying, “There were no drone attacks or unrest during the PTI’s previous term.”
Discussion of political discourse and protest tactics
There were also lively debates about PTI’s future political approach throughout the meeting.In Islamabad, leaders such as Ali Muhammad Khan and Zartaj Gul advocated for district-level demonstrations and political discussions rather than large-scale mobilization. Zartaj said, “We have to mobilize party workers at the tehsil and district levels if the founder calls for protests.”
“Talks should be held, and we must find a path forward,” Ali Muhammad said, pleading with Barrister Gohar to persuade Imran Khan to participate in political discourse.
Demand both resistance and reconciliation
PTI officials insisted that their movement does not seek to provoke conflict in spite of the heated internal discussion. “We’re not sending a conflicting message. We are discussing reconciliation in addition to resistance,” Barrister Gohar stated during a joint press conference with Gandapur.
In Islamabad, leaders such as Ali Muhammad Khan and Zartaj Gul advocated for district-level demonstrations and political discussions rather than large-scale mobilization. Zartaj said, “We have to mobilize party workers at the tehsil and district levels if the founder calls for protests.”
“Talks should be held, and we must find a path forward,” Ali Muhammad said, pleading with Barrister Gohar to persuade Imran Khan to participate in political discourse.
Demand both resistance and reconciliation
PTI officials insisted that their movement does not seek to provoke conflict in spite of the heated internal discussion. “We’re not sending a conflicting message. We are discussing reconciliation in addition to resistance,” Barrister Gohar stated during a joint press conference with Gandapur.
However, Gandapur made harsh statements criticizing state policies, stating, “For the past eight decades, we have been treated like inferiors.” However, we will not back down if the government attempts to overthrow us in a way that is unconstitutional.
“I challenge the state: I will leave politics if they are successful in overthrowing our government,” he continued.
Following Ashura, a nationwide movement
According to sources, the PTI is now getting ready to start a statewide protest campaign once Muharram is over. It was reported that during the consultation session, a resolution to this effect was passed. With an emphasis on constitutional rights, election openness, and the liberation of political detainees, the campaign is anticipated to have both legal and political elements.
