A political rift is emerging in PTI as 25 MNAs have refused to resign from National Assembly committees despite a clear directive from imprisoned party founder Imran Khan. Their reluctance has raised questions about party discipline and exposed cracks within PTI’s parliamentary ranks.
Imran Khan’s Clear Instructions
From Adiala Jail, Imran Khan issued firm orders to all PTI lawmakers. He directed them to resign from every National Assembly standing committee. The move was meant to serve as a protest and a show of unity against what Khan sees as an unfair political system.
Khan also warned that anyone ignoring his directive would face expulsion from the party. He stressed that discipline and loyalty were non-negotiable.
Divided Response from MNAs
So far, 51 PTI MNAs have followed the instruction and resigned from their committees. However, 25 members remain on board, quietly resisting the directive. Party insiders say the defiance is not open but still significant, as these members continue to attend committee meetings.
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Among them are Saleem Rehman, Suhail Sultan, Basheer Khan, Nawaz Khan, Muhammad Atif, Sher Ali Arbab, Zulfiqar Ali, Naseem Ali Shah, and Sher Afzal Khan Marwat. They are still actively participating in proceedings despite Khan’s explicit orders.
Senior Leaders Among Holdouts
The list of defiant members is not limited to lesser-known lawmakers. Senior PTI figures such as Umar Farooq, Riaz Fatyana, Mehboob Sultan, Latif Khosa, and Ayesha Nazir are also reported to still hold their committee memberships.
Additionally, loyalists once seen as close to the party’s ideological core – including Mian Ghaus Muhammad, Moazzam Ali Khan, Fayaz Hussain, Amber Majeed, and Khawaja Shiraz Mehmood – have not complied either.
Swift Resignations from Others
In contrast, some high-profile resignations came immediately after Khan’s order. Junaid Akbar Khan resigned as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. Similarly, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stepped down from four key committees, including Law and Justice and Human Rights.
These quick moves were intended to set the tone for others and demonstrate obedience to Khan’s leadership. Yet the hesitation of 25 MNAs shows the limits of that influence.
Signs of Internal Rift
The refusal of a sizeable group to resign is being interpreted as a potential signal of disunity. Analysts suggest political calculations may be at play. Some MNAs may believe that maintaining positions in committees gives them influence, visibility, and bargaining power. Others may be motivated by personal considerations, preferring to safeguard their parliamentary roles rather than risk political isolation.
Party insiders say Barrister Gohar has issued warnings. He told the holdouts to comply immediately or face disciplinary action, including show-cause notices. Still, no major resignations have followed from the defiant members.
Sher Afzal Marwat’s Defiance
One of the most prominent figures refusing to resign is Sher Afzal Marwat. His strained relationship with PTI is well documented. Earlier, his party membership was suspended over alleged violations of discipline and his public criticism of Imran Khan.
Despite this, Marwat remains active in parliamentary work. His continued participation, in direct defiance of Khan’s instruction, highlights the depth of PTI’s internal challenges. Efforts to reach him for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
Silence and Vague Promises
Interestingly, the defiant lawmakers have not offered clear explanations. According to a senior PTI leader, most of them simply say they are “about to resign” without taking any practical step. Their silence is seen as a tactic to delay compliance while avoiding open confrontation with the party leadership.
PTI Leadership’s Position
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has reiterated that the party will not tolerate defiance. He stressed that ignoring Khan’s vision is equivalent to rejecting PTI’s ideology. According to party sources, Gohar reminded the lawmakers that “if you’re not willing to follow Imran Khan’s vision at this critical juncture, you don’t belong to PTI.”
This tough stance reflects the leadership’s determination to maintain control even in Khan’s absence. But enforcing unity remains a challenge when some members quietly resist.
Political Implications
The situation carries wider political implications. PTI has long portrayed itself as a disciplined and united party under Khan’s leadership. The refusal of several lawmakers to obey his directive weakens that image. It also gives rivals an opportunity to highlight PTI’s internal disarray.
At the same time, the issue raises questions about Khan’s influence from jail. While many members remain loyal, others appear to be weighing their political survival against his directives. The result is a tug of war between obedience and self-interest.
A Test of Party Discipline
For PTI, this standoff is more than just about committee memberships. It is a test of discipline and loyalty at a time when the party faces immense pressure. Whether the 25 MNAs will eventually fall in line or continue their quiet resistance remains uncertain.
What is clear, however, is that PTI’s leadership must now balance firmness with pragmatism. Too much tolerance could signal weakness, while harsh punishment could deepen internal divisions.
The coming weeks will reveal if the party can maintain unity in the absence of its founder, or if silent resistance will turn into open defiance.
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