Imran Orders PTI Lawmakers to Quit Committees

The Imran PTI resignations debate intensified on Tuesday when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan directed all party lawmakers to step down from parliamentary committees. His sister, Aleema Khan, shared the instructions after meeting him at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Imran also rejected participation in the upcoming by-elections, calling the process a means to legitimize disputed polls.

Directives from Adiala Jail

Speaking to journalists outside the jail, Aleema Khan confirmed that Imran had ordered PTI members to resign from all standing committees of the National Assembly. She said he issued these instructions clearly, adding that party chairman Barrister Gohar and general secretary Salman Akram Raja were also directed on how to handle the by-election issue.

According to Aleema, Imran stressed that contesting by-elections would provide legal cover to a process he believes lacks transparency. His stance has put the party’s internal decision-making under pressure, as several leaders had earlier argued in favor of contesting.

Internal Disagreement Over By-Elections

Reports suggested that Aleema herself opposed contesting the by-elections, aligning with Imran’s firm stance. However, Salman Akram Raja, representing the party’s political committee, presented a different view. He conveyed that a majority of 13 members supported contesting, while only 9 opposed.

The disagreement reportedly left Raja disheartened, prompting him to tender his resignation from the post of secretary general. Yet, according to Raja, Imran refused to accept his resignation, instructing him instead to continue in his role.

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Nominations for Opposition Leadership

Sources revealed that Imran also finalized names for key parliamentary positions. He nominated Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Nasir Abbas as the candidate for opposition leader in the Senate. For the National Assembly, he nominated Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

These nominations reflect Imran’s broader strategy of aligning with allied political figures while maintaining PTI’s boycott of by-elections.

Bushra Bibi’s Situation Distresses Imran

Aleema also shared that Imran expressed deep distress over the treatment of his wife, Bushra Bibi. She said he was informed about the arrests of party supporters, including Shershah and Shahrez, which further highlighted his concerns about what he called unprecedented punishments and disqualifications in Pakistan’s history.

“Imran said that such punishments and disqualifications have never taken place before in the country,” Aleema told journalists.

Arrests Linked to May 9 Riots

Police arrested Shershah and Shahrez for their alleged involvement in the May 9, 2023, riots. The first information report (FIR) against Shershah accused him of attacking policemen and confirmed video evidence placing him at Jinnah House during the unrest.

Shahrez’s name surfaced in a supplementary investigation report submitted in September 2023. Both cases remain under investigation, further fueling PTI’s criticism of state actions against its members.

Criticism of Cricket Administration

In addition to political directives, Imran reportedly spoke about the state of sports. According to Aleema, he told her that cricket had been “destroyed” under the leadership of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The comment reflected his broader frustration with governance across sectors.

Concern Over Flood Devastation

Aleema said Imran also expressed sorrow over recent floods in Buner and surrounding areas. He acknowledged the widespread devastation and emphasized the need for relief measures to assist affected communities.

His remarks added a humanitarian dimension to his political message, as he connected national crises with the ongoing political struggle.

Imran’s Health Condition

Addressing questions about Imran’s health, Aleema clarified that he was generally in good condition but had an eye problem that required medical attention. She said a petition would be filed in court to allow doctors from PIMS hospital to examine and treat him.

She assured reporters that steps would be taken soon to ensure proper care, while also emphasizing that Imran remained committed to leading the party despite his confinement.

Family Meeting After Months

Aleema also revealed that this was the first time in four months that she and her sisters were able to meet their brother. She said repeated attempts over the last three months had failed due to restrictions, but Tuesday’s meeting finally allowed them to see him together.

“Today, by the grace of Allah, we were able to meet him,” she said. The reunion, according to her, boosted the family’s morale and allowed them to hear his instructions firsthand.

Shaping PTI’s Strategy

The directives issued by Imran from jail have set the course for PTI’s immediate strategy. By ordering resignations from parliamentary committees and rejecting by-elections, he has sought to distance the party from processes he views as manipulated. At the same time, his nominations for opposition leadership signal that PTI intends to maintain its political presence through alliances and alternative platforms.