Another member resigns from PTI's core committee amid growing internal conflicts

Junaid Akbar echoes Sher Afzal Marwat's stance that 'certain people' can meet Imran Khan while others are 'denied'

ISLAMABAD:

Amid escalating conflicts within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), lawmaker Junaid Akbar resigned from the party's core committee on Saturday.

His resignation follows that of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, who stepped down as PTI secretary general, indicating further changes in the party’s organisational structure.

Sher Afzal Marwat demanded the resignation of PTI Senator Shibli Faraz, accusing him of preventing access to imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan.

Akbar echoed these allegations, claiming "certain people" can meet party supremo while others are denied.

Akbar stated, "Their interests lie with each other, and we are told the party policy aligns with Imran Khan's views. The beneficiaries of decisions are these people, their families, and friends."

He expressed frustration over his lack of influence within the party and inability to meet the incarcerated chairperson, currently held in Adiala jail.

Despite his resignation, Akbar affirmed his loyalty to PTI, stating, "PTI is my home, and I am not part of any group nor will I be."

A day after Omar Ayub's resignation, the PTI Parliamentary Party expressed confidence in him, urging that his resignation not be accepted. The party denied reports of a 'forward bloc,' asserting unity under Imran Khan's leadership.

Following Ayub's resignation, sources indicated that 27 PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) lawmakers were considering resigning from the National Assembly in protest against the party's top leadership.

Insiders revealed that 21 lawmakers hinted at forming a forward bloc due to the leadership's failure to secure the release of party founder Imran Khan from jail.

They also "conveyed a message" to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary-General Omar Ayub, urging them to make serious efforts for the release of incarcerated leaders.

The disgruntled MNAs complained that some leaders were eyeing higher posts instead of focusing on securing the release of the PTI founder and other jailed party leaders.

Omar Ayub's resignation triggered discussions on appointing a new secretary general, potentially from Punjab, with Sheikh Waqas Akram from Jhang being a probable candidate.