Asad Qaiser dismissed reports suggesting that PTI founder Imran Khan had nominated him as the party chairman, stating that the decision regarding the secretary general’s position would be made after consulting the detained party founder.
Qaiser’s remarks came shortly after claims surfaced that Imran Khan had removed Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as PTI chairman and nominated Asad Qaiser as his replacement.
Earlier reports indicated that PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar confirmed the removal of both Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Salman Akram Raja from their positions as PTI chairman and secretary general, respectively.
These leadership changes occurred in the aftermath of PTI’s recent protest in Islamabad. The protest, called by Imran Khan, aimed to challenge alleged rigging in the February 8 elections and demand the release of party workers.
Led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI founder’s wife, Bushra Bibi, the demonstration faced significant resistance. Following failed negotiations and government warnings against entering D-Chowk, a large-scale operation was carried out on November 26 at midnight by Islamabad police, Punjab police, and Rangers.
Hundreds of PTI workers were detained as authorities dispersed the protesters. The sudden suspension of the protest left party workers frustrated, criticizing PTI leaders for their absence from the frontlines.
