Rifts intensify: Irate PTI members unhappy with Imran’s ignorance

Threaten to take further steps if grievances not addressed by June 28

PESHAWAR: The disgruntled lawmakers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf have shown reservations over party chief Imran Khan’s ignorant behaviour and threatened to take further measures if their grievances are not addressed by July 28.

Imran chaired a meeting on July 25 at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House, Islamabad, and it was attended by several leaders, including K-P Chief Minister Pervez Khattak. However, some lawmakers, who expected to meet PTI chairperson personally to discuss their grievances, complained they were sidelined by the party as Imran failed to meet them.

While speaking to The Express Tribune on Monday, an irate lawmaker, requesting anonymity, said the move has further spread disappointment among the lawmakers and has given momentum to strife in the party.

He said they have sent their charter of demands to the party chief and hoped to receive a positive reply. The MPA said if they did not receive a positive response from Imran by June 28 (Thursday), they would hold a meeting to decide the future course of action.

The PTI lawmaker maintained that all their demands were genuine and asked the party chief to address their issues. “We are not ready to speak to anyone except Imran Khan,” said a lawmaker.

Similarly, another lawmaker, wishing not to be named, told The Express Tribune that a senior PTI leader, Jehangir Tareen, contacted one of the disgruntled members for a meeting, but the latter refused as all members said they will only speak to the party chief.

Meanwhile, Imran said in a press conference on Monday that action will be taken against those PTI members and workers who were found violating party discipline.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2016.