Salman Akram Raja and Sahibzada Hamid Raza, two prominent figures in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have resigned from key positions, exposing growing rifts within the party. These resignations come in the wake of the sudden postponement of PTI’s highly anticipated protest in Islamabad, following a government crackdown that led to the arrest of nearly 1,000 supporters.
Resignations Without Clear Reasons
Salman Akram Raja, PTI’s Secretary General, stepped down without providing specific reasons. Despite his resignation, Raja will continue to lead PTI’s legal committee, maintaining strong support from party leaders. Raoof Hasan, a senior PTI leader, confirmed that the party’s political committee will review Raja’s resignation before making a final decision. Hasan emphasized that Raja’s departure does not diminish his influence within the party.
Sahibzada Hamid Raza’s Resignation
Sahibzada Hamid Raza, chairman of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), also resigned from PTI’s political and core committees but clarified that this move doesn’t mean severing ties with the party. In a detailed post on social media, Raza explained that he intends to avoid internal conflicts. He further announced his intention to resign from his National Assembly seat after meeting PTI founder Imran Khan. However, Raoof Hasan expressed optimism that Raza might reconsider and withdraw his resignation.
Rising Tensions Over Leadership
Internal criticism has escalated, particularly following the Islamabad protest. Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa minister Shaukat Yousafzai openly criticized the party’s central leadership for mismanagement. He blamed poor decision-making for increasing hardships for Imran Khan. “We had a great opportunity, but it was wasted due to a lack of consultation,” Yousafzai stated, emphasizing that the responsibility for the failure lies with PTI’s core leadership.
Read: PTI Committees Question Bushra Bibi’s Role in Decision-Making
Controversy Surrounding D-Chowk Protest
The decision to push forward with the protest at D-Chowk, despite Imran Khan’s agreement to hold it at Sangjani, has sparked controversy. Yousafzai questioned the role of Bushra Bibi, Khan’s wife, and CM Ali Amin Gandapur, accusing them of poor judgment. “Bushra Bibi’s insistence on D-Chowk cost the party heavily,” he remarked, suggesting that key leaders lacked authority or clarity in decision-making.
Response to Calls for a PTI Ban
Meanwhile, political tensions deepened as the Balochistan Assembly passed a resolution seeking to ban PTI, citing violent protests. Hasan dismissed the possibility of a ban, asserting that such a move would face strong legal resistance. He called for political disputes to be resolved through dialogue, reiterating that Imran Khan also supports this approach.
Growing Internal Pressure
The leadership crisis within PTI reflects deeper organizational challenges. With key figures resigning and internal criticism mounting, the party faces increasing pressure. Calls for unity and strategic decision-making have intensified as PTI navigates a critical period in its political journey.
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