PTI turmoil escalates as Imran Khan seeks action against members creating factions

PTI chief demands names of members causing internal conflicts after recent resignations amid forward bloc rumours

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) incarcerated founder Imran Khan has taken notice of reports regarding internal strife and a forward bloc within the party, demanding the names of the involved members.

The speculations about the forward bloc stem from reports that attribute to sources saying that almost two dozen of these lawmakers hinted at forming a forward bloc due to the leadership’s failure to secure the release of Imran Khan from jail.

According to Express News, persistent reports of groupings within PTI have prompted the PTI supremo to request the names of members involved in factionalism and forward blocs.

Sources indicate that Imran has directed party leadership to present the names of those involved in the Senate and National Assembly (NA) forward blocs in the upcoming meeting.

The former premier has also emphasised strict adherence to party discipline, instructing that action be taken against those repeatedly violating party rules.

Resignations rolling in

PTI has seen a wave of resignation pouring in recently after rumours of forward blocs and internal strifes became apparent.

Amid escalating conflicts within 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.

Confusion prevails within PTI ranks over Omar’s resignation amid reports of rifts in PTI. On one hand, the party announced that it would take out rallies for the release of the party supremo while, on the other hand, the secretary general left the key party position so that he could focus on parliamentary affairs.

In its meeting held on June 28 at Parliament House, “the Parliamentary Party unanimously expresses complete confidence in Omar Ayub Khan as Secretary General of PTI.”

An official statement said that the “Parliamentary Party unanimously resolves that his resignation may not be accepted and he may be directed to continue as Secretary General of the party.”

In addition, it maintained, “Parliamentary party strongly condemns media reports about a so-called “Forward Bloc” and marks that there is no “Forward Bloc” within the parliamentary party or the party, and all are united under the leadership of the Founding and Chairman for life, Imran Khan.”

Late on Thursday night, Omar resigned from his position to focus on his role as opposition leader. In a post shared on X, formerly Twitter, Omar stated: “I am most grateful to PM Imran Khan sahib for accepting my resignation as Secretary General PTI to focus on my role as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan.”

Omar’s resignation came amid reports of rifts within the PTI, with sources indicating that several PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) lawmakers were considering resigning from the National Assembly in protest against the party’s top leadership.