In a calculated gambit to maintain resolve amid political woes, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday decided to boycott the upcoming by-elections across the country and pull out from all standing committees of parliament – a move the party frames as a stand against an uneven political playing field.
The twin decisions came after extensive deliberations in a meeting of PTI's political committee, which unanimously endorsed the boycott and resolved that party lawmakers in the National Assembly would resign from their committee memberships in line with instructions from the party's founding chairman Imran Khan.
According to party sources, the meeting was convened to chart out PTI's electoral strategy in the wake of recent disqualifications that have created vacancies for national and provincial assembly by-polls. Members were explicitly asked to give their views on whether the party should contest the elections.
Insiders revealed that most members advised against participation, citing the prevailing political climate and compromised conditions for a fair contest.
The proposal to boycott was unanimously approved, with senior leaders, including Sanaullah Masti Khel, Barrister Gohar, Sheikh Waqas Akram and Amir Dogar, strongly supporting the move, calling it consistent with the guidance of PTI's founder chairman.
The decision followed days of reported internal debate over whether the party should enter the fray to protect its political turf, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where looming disqualifications could undermine its numbers.
Until recently, many within PTI considered contesting the by-elections a necessary measure, despite reservations about transparency and fairness.
However, the incarcerated party founder had repeatedly signalled that PTI should avoid legitimising the "flawed process". He had earlier directed the political committee to revisit the matter and collect detailed feedback from members. After consultations, the committee concluded that PTI will stay away from the upcoming polls.
On Tuesday, PTI leaders said the boycott reflects the party's principled stance against a compromised electoral process and growing state pressure. They argued that participating in elections "lacking transparency" would run contrary to PTI's position on electoral integrity.
Resignations trickle in
Shortly after the decision landed, in a parallel development, Faisal Amin Khan, the brother of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, resigned from three parliamentary committees on the instructions of the PTI founder.
Faisal Amin stepped down from the Standing Committees on Economic Affairs, Food Security and the Parliamentary Task Force, and submitted his resignation to Chief Whip Amir Dogar.
"I have resigned on the instructions of the PTI founder," Faisal Amin confirmed.
Party sources said more resignations from standing committees are expected in the coming days, in line with the founder's directive and the political committee's decision.
'I will not bow, I will not deal'
Meanwhile, speaking to the media earlier in the day after a meeting with her brother, Aleema Khan announced that Imran has maintained his resolve, saying that solitary confinement and intimidation will not break his resolve.
He reiterated his determination that he "will neither bow down nor strike any deal".
Aleema Khan said she and her sisters were grateful to PTI workers who had stood by them for months.
"For the past three months, we were being denied a meeting. Today, by the grace of Allah, we finally met him. After four months, all the sisters were allowed to meet together. His lawyers, including Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Gohar and Ali Zafar, were also given access," she said.
She confirmed that the PTI founder was in good health overall but noted that he had developed an eye problem. "We are moving the court for his treatment," she said, adding that doctors from PIMS hospital would examine him soon.
'Judiciary responsible for injustices'
The former premier held the judiciary responsible for prevailing injustices in the country, saying that "if judges had a conscience, such injustice would never have been allowed".
Quoting him, his sister Aleema Khan said Imran declared that "the entire responsibility for these injustices lies with the judiciary". He was also informed about the arrests of his nephews, Shershah Khan and Shahrez Khan, over which he expressed concern.
Speaking about legal cases against him, Imran remarked that punishments and disqualifications of this kind had never before been witnessed in Pakistan. He further alleged that the mainstream media had lost credibility because its voice was being suppressed and controlled.
He also opposed fresh military operations in Waziristan, warning that a military operation would only create instability.
He also criticised the forced expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. "Driving Afghans out is against Islamic traditions. I feel ashamed about their forced return."
The PTI founder expressed grief over the devastation caused by floods in Buner and other areas, adding that the public should now recognise the value of the Billion Tree project initiated during his tenure.
Regarding political strategy, Imran instructed his party to resign from all parliamentary committees. He further directed Barrister Gohar Khan and Salman Akram Raja regarding the party's position on the upcoming by-elections.
"The party must not take part in by-elections," he said. "Participating would give legitimacy to a process that is already compromised."
Aleema Khan told reporters that Imran had rejected the resignation of Salman Akram Raja from his party position.
"He has instructed the political committee to reconvene today. The founder will make a final decision after consulting the party. His clear stance is that by-elections must not be legitimised, though he is open to reviewing differing opinions within the party," she added.
She also said Bushra Bibi was in good health and that the court atmosphere during her appearance today had been "positive".
Separately, PTI lawyer Salman Akram Raja also confirmed that Imran had not accepted his resignation.
"Khan Sahib did not accept my resignation," he said while speaking to reporters after meeting Khan in Adiala Jail.
Raja added that the political committee would meet again in the evening to deliberate on elections.
"Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz are already fighting their cases in courts. For the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai's name has been reiterated by Khan Sahib. In line with his directions, the political committee will take a final decision on the elections."
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