PTI cadres unhappy with Reham’s cameo in poll campaign

Party’s information secretary defends actions of Imran

ISLAMABAD: Opponents of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reproached its chief Imran Khan on Sunday for allowing his spouse to campaign for the party’s election candidate in Haripur constituency, even though he has publicly denounced any form of dynastic politics.

Imran Khan had, in his speeches during the 126-day sit-in, censured Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari for their unabashed support of their family members in party politics yet he seems to be adopting the same policy himself.

Insiders said that PTI members were somewhat perturbed by Reham Khan’s new role, which would be difficult to defend. These members also suggested the chairman start attending the National Assembly session as per commitments made when the judicial commission was constituted.

PTI members also expressed concerns when Reham Khan started taking interest in party affairs while Imran Khan remained silent. Opponents as well, are of the view that the PTI has launched family members in politics against its tall claims on the issue in the past.

However, PTI chairman’s spokesperson Dr Shireen Mazari defended the move saying “women must be visible especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to get women voters out to vote. PTI dharnas gave women confidence politically and Imran Khan’s sisters were visibly part of it.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2015.