POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Barrister Gohar, has affirmed the trust of PTI founder Imran Khan in Secretary General Salman Akram Raja amidst escalating tensions within the party.
Speaking to the media, Barrister Gohar stated that Salman Akram Raja’s appointment as Secretary General was made by the party's founder. “It is up to the founder to decide who should be appointed or removed. Such appointments have been made in the past,” he emphasized, addressing criticisms from within the party.
Internal Criticism and Accusations
The internal dispute came to light after Sher Afzal Marwat accused Salman Akram Raja of violating party rules. Responding to this, Barrister Gohar dismissed the allegations, stating, “The constitution of our party is the founder PTI, so this is an internal matter of the party.”
The feud between Salman Akram Raja and Sher Afzal Marwat has become increasingly public. Salman Akram Raja recently criticized Marwat, accusing him of making statements unrelated to party policy. “When TV channels call him, he has to say something, and he says it without understanding the party’s policy,” Raja remarked.
In response, Sher Afzal Marwat argued that Raja’s appointment violated the party's constitution. He claimed, “If we violate the party constitution, how will we talk about the constitution of Pakistan?” He also questioned Raja’s understanding of party affairs, stating, “He joined the party a year ago and now explains things to me. What understanding does he have of party matters when he spends most of his time in Lahore and rarely comes to Islamabad?”
Negotiations with the Government
Amidst the internal disputes, Barrister Gohar confirmed that PTI is set to hold a third meeting with the government committee. “We will put our points in writing before the government,” he said, signaling the party's ongoing efforts to engage in political dialogue despite internal challenges.
Background of the Conflict
The tensions between Salman Akram Raja and Sher Afzal Marwat reflect deeper divides within PTI as it navigates its internal leadership dynamics. The party’s constitution and the authority of founder Imran Khan remain central to the ongoing debates.
This public exchange has raised questions about PTI’s cohesion and ability to address external challenges while managing internal differences. With negotiations underway with the government, the party’s internal unity will be crucial in shaping its future trajectory.