PTI Turmoil Deepens: Resignations & Calls For Leadership Change Rock Imran Khan’s Party

Internal divisions within Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) deepened as lawmaker Junaid Akbar resigned on Saturday, according to a report by The Express Tribune. Akbar, a Member of the National Assembly, echoed demands by fellow party member Sher Afzal Marwat for the resignation of PTI Senator Shibli Faraz, alleging that access to party founder Imran Khan was being restricted. Akbar claimed that certain individuals enjoy privileged access to Khan while others are denied.

Akbar criticized these individuals, stating, “Their interests are intertwined, benefiting from decisions aligned with Imran Khan’s views. These people, along with their families and friends, are the beneficiaries.” Despite his resignation, Akbar reaffirmed his allegiance to PTI, emphasizing, “PTI is my home, and I am not affiliated with any group nor will I be.”

This development follows the resignation of Omar Ayub, who stepped down as PTI Secretary General and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, signaling further changes within the party’s organizational framework. The Express Tribune reported that following Ayub’s resignation, there were indications that 27 PTI-backed lawmakers from the Sunni Ittehad Council were contemplating resigning from the National Assembly in protest against the party leadership. Additionally, 21 lawmakers hinted at forming a forward bloc due to dissatisfaction with the leadership’s efforts to secure the release of incarcerated PTI leaders.

The disgruntled MNAs criticized party leaders for prioritizing personal ambitions over the release of Imran Khan and other jailed party members. Despite these tensions, PTI lawmakers passed a resolution expressing “complete trust” in Ayub’s leadership and rejected his resignation. Discussions have since ensued regarding the appointment of a new Secretary General, potentially from Punjab, with Sheikh Waqas Akram from Jhang being considered as a likely candidate, as reported by The Express Tribune.