PTI to hold intra-party elections ‘soon’

Imran refuses to remove Karachi president over LG polls debacle

KARACHI: Imran Khan refused to remove the head of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party in Karachi on Saturday, saying that workers would soon be able to elect their own representatives when intra-party elections are held.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman said this while addressing party workers at the Insaf House in Karachi. His visit to the metropolis was, however, marred by protests against the district leadership. A number of party members started shouting slogans against PTI Karachi president Ali Zaidi.



The protesters accused the PTI senior leadership of VIP culture and demanded the removal of Zaidi.



Advising them to stay calm, Imran said there was no need for protests as the party elections were just a few months away. “I will not remove Ali Zaidi,” he said, adding that it was not right to gather 15 people and demand the removal of senior leaders.



“To protest is your right as only well-informed people protest to bring their issues to the knowledge of their leaders,” Imran said. “[But] your captain cannot be blackmailed by these tactics.”

He said the party membership would be opened and all members and workers would choose their own district presidents. “No one will elect anyone except you, not even me,” he said pointing towards the protesting workers.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2015.