RAWALPINDI; Aleema Khanum, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, on Tuesday dismissed rumors of a heated exchange with party Secretary General Salman Akram Raja that allegedly led to his resignation decision. She clarified that the issue revolved around the party’s stance on upcoming by-elections, and urged that PTI itself should be questioned about the decision to participate.
The PTI currently faces internal discord over whether to contest by-polls for seats vacated after the disqualification of several lawmakers. According to party insiders, PTI’s political committee reversed its earlier stance during Monday’s meeting, with a majority voting against a boycott — a move that contradicted Imran Khan’s previously relayed advice, conveyed through Aleema, to abstain from the process so as not to legitimise it.
Following the announcement of the decision by PTI’s Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram, widespread criticism poured in. Akram confirmed that he, Raja and others opposed participation but had to accept the majority’s view. Hours later, Raja declared his intention to resign, though he did not specify the reason. The timing of his statement suggested a link to the political committee’s decision.
When asked if a dispute with Raja triggered the resignation, Aleema told reporters outside Adiala Jail: “I had no harsh words with him. He is our lawyer and like family. It is more about his own decision and the committee’s choice. You should ask him about it.”
Her sister Uzma Khanum also weighed in, reiterating that in their last family meeting Imran Khan had categorically instructed against contesting by-elections, warning that doing so would damage the party and legitimise what he termed “unjust disqualifications.”
Later, Aleema told the media that Imran had directed PTI lawmakers to resign from parliamentary committees and asked for a detailed report on the political committee’s decision regarding by-polls.
Meanwhile, Raja confirmed that Imran had not accepted his resignation and said the political committee would reconvene to deliberate again under Imran’s “clear instructions.” He added that PTI’s stance remained unchanged regarding opposition leadership in the National Assembly and Senate, where Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz continue to represent the party. Raja further disclosed that if necessary, Imran had suggested Mehmood Khan Achakzai as a potential opposition leader in the NA.
PTI Chairman Barrister Ali Gohar also downplayed the resignation reports, noting he had neither seen nor received Raja’s resignation in writing, and stressing that Imran would make the final decision.
The party, already battling multiple challenges — from possible disqualifications in KP Assembly to the need for regaining political space in Punjab — appears to be leaning toward contesting by-elections despite initial reluctance. Sources said the political committee vote on Monday stood at 12-9 in favour of participation.
In line with legal complications surrounding PTI’s intra-party elections and electoral symbol, Sheikh Waqqas Akram announced that all candidates would contest under the Sunni Ittehad Council’s banner, to prevent them from being declared independents.
