PTI separates party policy from family actions

Sources stress that political decisions made solely by party leadership, Imrans family acting individually

ISLAMABAD:

Important senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have distanced the party from the proposed street movement announced by party founder Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, and recent remarks by Noreen Niazi, saying both represent personal views rather than the party's official policy, party sources have said.

They said that Aleema Khan's public outreach campaign and proposed street movement were her personal initiatives, although they welcomed direct engagement with the public. They added that Noreen Niazi's recent statement had also been made in her personal capacity and did not reflect the party's official position.

According to the sources, any decision regarding launching a protest movement would be taken by the party leadership after due consultation, which is currently under way.

The sources stressed that political decisions would be made solely by the party leadership, while members of the PTI founder's family were acting in their individual capacities. However, they said consultations with the family on important party matters would continue.

The party sources also shed light on the reasons behind the deadlock in negotiations with the government, saying that the PTI had sought the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 incidents and the release of complete CCTV footage during the talks.

They said the government had initially indicated a willingness to consider the demands, but later informed the party that no progress on the matter was possible, resulting in the negotiations reaching an impasse. According to the sources, there has been no fresh development regarding talks with the government.

The sources further stated that the demand for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan was not part of the agenda during the first round of negotiations with the government.