ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has rejected further consultations over the nomination for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairmanship.
Imran has directed party leadership to halt discussions on the matter, firmly backing Sheikh Waqas Akram as the party’s nominee for the position.
Sources confirm that Imran has categorically ruled out alternative suggestions, expressing dissatisfaction with party leaders attempting to revisit the decision.
“I will decide PTI’s PAC chairman, not Shehbaz Sharif or any government official. My first, second, third, and fourth choice remains Sheikh Waqas Akram,” Imran reportedly stated during a meeting.
The issue arose after PML-N Chief Whip Tariq Fazal Chaudhry wrote to PTI’s Chief Whip Amir Dogar, requesting a panel of four nominees for the PAC chairmanship. This followed earlier correspondence on July 1 and August 29.
In response to the first letter, PTI nominated Sheikh Waqas Akram. However, the PML-N later insisted on a list of four nominees.
After consulting its incarcerated party supremo, PTI reiterated its sole nomination of Sheikh Waqas Akram in a letter dated September 19, stating, “Our first, second, third, and fourth nominee is Sheikh Waqas Akram.”
This reaffirmation came a day after senior PTI leaders met with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail to discuss the PAC chairmanship. Imran asserted that the decision rests solely with PTI and rejected any external influence.
“PTI will nominate the PAC chairman, and neither Shehbaz Sharif nor any government officials can dictate our choice,” Imran declared.
PTI is now reviewing Tariq Fazal Chaudhry’s latest letter and plans to submit its final response next week. Imran also hinted at resigning from the chairmanships of other standing committees if the PAC chairmanship was denied to the party’s nominee.
Earlier, PML-N’s Chief Whip, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, issued a third letter to Amir Dogar, highlighting the prolonged delay in appointing the PAC chairman. He urged PTI to submit a panel of four nominees within seven days, warning that failure to comply would compel the government to unilaterally finalize the appointment.
Despite the 10-month delay, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to parliamentary norms by continuing to offer the PAC chairmanship to the opposition.
