PTI Founder Expresses Displeasure Over Marwat’s Remarks Against Salman Akram Raja
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has expressed disappointment over Sher Afzal Marwat’s recent remarks targeting Salman Akram Raja, the party’s Secretary General.
Addressing the matter, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan defended Raja’s appointment, asserting that it was an internal party decision made by Imran Khan himself. He emphasized that the party’s constitution prioritizes the chairman’s directives.
Gohar further clarified that decisions on negotiations with the government will rest with the party’s negotiating and political committees. He added that any personal opinions regarding these talks do not represent the PTI’s official stance.
Internal Dispute Intensifies
Tensions within the PTI escalated when Salman Akram Raja, during an appearance on ARY News’ program “Off The Record,” dismissed Marwat’s statement on negotiations with the government. Raja stated that Marwat’s remarks did not reflect the PTI’s official position, noting that only authorized individuals, including himself, are permitted to speak on behalf of the party and its leadership.
Marwat’s Retort
In response, Sher Afzal Marwat, speaking on ARY News’ program “Khabar,” questioned Raja’s credentials as PTI’s General Secretary. Marwat accused Raja of being an outsider who had only recently joined the party and was now attempting to influence its direction.
Marwat also criticized Raja for his past associations, pointing out that he had represented Nawaz Sharif in the Panama case and other PML-N leaders, including Khawaja Asif and Nausheen Iftikhar, against PTI candidates.
Challenges for PTI
This internal discord comes as PTI faces mounting challenges, including the detention of key leaders and workers. The party continues to demand their release and the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the violence on May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.
