The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expelled singer Salman Ahmad after he publicly criticized the family of party chairman Imran Khan. The decision, announced through an official notification, follows Ahmad’s controversial remarks targeting Imran’s wife, Bushra Bibi, during the party’s protests in late November. This marks a significant fallout between the musician and the political party he had long supported.
Reason for Expulsion
Salman Ahmad’s expulsion stems from his social media activity, where he criticized Bushra Bibi for her alleged political involvement during protests on November 26. The posts sparked backlash from PTI supporters and party members. In response, Imran Khan dismissed Ahmad’s allegations as “foolish” during a conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail last week.
The PTI Central Secretariat, in a notification, accused Ahmad of causing division within the party. “You have consistently sought to sow division and discontent among PTI members and supporters through unwarranted and scurrilous posts on social media,” the notification stated.
It also emphasized that Ahmad had been warned repeatedly to stop posting such content but continued to defy instructions. Consequently, the party terminated his basic membership and asked him to cease any association with PTI immediately.
Salman Ahmad’s Association with PTI
Salman Ahmad has been a long-time supporter of PTI, frequently performing at party events and rallies. His songs often became anthems for the party’s political campaigns. In 2022, he was officially appointed as Imran Khan’s focal person on culture, a role that highlighted his close ties with PTI leadership.
However, this is not the first instance of conflict between Ahmad and the party. In 2016, he was briefly detained by Islamabad police while trying to meet Imran Khan at his Bani Gala residence. Despite such incidents, Ahmad remained a vocal advocate for PTI until this recent fallout.
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PTI’s Stance on the Incident
The PTI has taken a firm stance on maintaining discipline within the party. The notification issued by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated that the party had repeatedly warned Ahmad about the consequences of his actions. It stated, “Through press releases, the PTI Core Committee advised Salman Ahmad to desist from posting objectionable content, yet he continued to defy party directives.”
The notification further clarified that the party had disassociated itself from Ahmad’s conduct and could no longer tolerate his actions, which were seen as detrimental to PTI’s unity.
Broader Implications
The expulsion of Salman Ahmad highlights PTI’s commitment to protecting its leadership and internal harmony. It also underscores the challenges political parties face in managing public criticism, especially when it comes from prominent supporters.
As PTI navigates this controversy, the incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between free expression and party discipline. For Salman Ahmad, the decision marks the end of his formal association with the party he once championed.
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