PTI faces dual setback as Salman Akram Raja resigns, Hammad Azhar withdraws from by-election

میں کوئی روایتی سیاست دان نہیں، نہ جاگیردار نہ مل اونر۔ تاہم میرا مختصر خاندان میرے ساتھ کھڑا ہے۔ ہم نے پارٹی کے اندر اور باہر سے ہر قسم کے رقیق حملوں کو سہا ہے۔ کوئی ملال نہیں۔ اپنی بھرپور وکالت کو پس پشت ڈال کر معاشی بے یقینی کو بخوشی قبول کیا۔

He said he was not a traditional politician but had stood firm despite internal and external pressures. “We endured subtle attacks, accepted economic uncertainty, and faced false cases, but I regret nothing. I am not afraid of jail,” Raja said, highlighting his role in key cases such as the Tyrian, Iddat, cipher, military courts, and reserved seats disputes.

Raja's departure from the secretary general position stems from what he characterised as irreconcilable differences regarding his responsibilities within the party structure. He revealed that he had requested Imran, through Advocate Ali Bukhari, to allow him to focus on legal battles earlier, but he had declined.

Meanwhile, Azhar's withdrawal from the NA-129 constituency race adds another layer to PTI's electoral challenges. The seat became vacant following the death of his father, veteran politician Mian Azhar, creating expectations that the younger Azhar would seek to continue the family's political legacy in the constituency.

Instead, Azhar designated his cousin, Chaudhry Arsalan Zaheer, as the family's preferred candidate. Zaheer previously chaired Lahore's fruit and vegetable market committee during PTI's tenure in government and has collaborated with the Azhar family in previous electoral campaigns.

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The decision reflects practical considerations surrounding legal vulnerabilities facing PTI leadership. Azhar noted that Zaheer faces no pending court cases, including those related to the May 9 unrest that resulted in numerous party members' legal troubles. This clean legal status reduces potential disqualification risks that could compromise the seat.

"Personal constraints make it impossible for me to actively participate in campaigning or serve effectively in the assembly," Azhar explained, while announcing his sister would oversee campaign operations.

Party sources confirmed that PTI leadership had granted Azhar discretion in candidate selection, though his own legal challenges significantly influenced the final choice. The development illustrates how ongoing judicial proceedings continue affecting PTI's political calculations and candidate viability.

These leadership changes occur against the backdrop of PTI's complex relationship with electoral participation. The party has maintained an inconsistent approach to by-elections, with imprisoned founder Khan previously advocating boycotts to demonstrate solidarity with disqualified members.

The dual announcements highlight PTI's broader organisational struggles as it navigates leadership transitions while confronting sustained legal pressure on key figures.