Party discussing removal of controversial figures such as Shahbaz Gill, to take up matter with founder Imran Khan.
• Discussions underway to remove controversial figures.
• Proposed changes to be taken up with incarcerated Imran Khan.
• PTI US chapter divided over approachtowards establishment.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is contemplating changes within its core and political committees, with discussions underway among top party leaders to remove controversial figures such as Shahbaz Gill from these bodies.
The proposed changes, according to party insiders, will be discussed with the party's imprisoned founding chairman, Imran Khan, whose approval is still necessary for any major restructuring. The PTI recently officially disbanded its Foreign Affairs and International Relations Committee in a related development. The committee, established earlier this year on January 28, included prominent figures such as Zulfi Bukhari, Sajjad Burki, Shahbaz Gill and Atif Khan.
Barrister Gohar Khan, acting on Imran's instructions, issued a notification announcing the dissolution. According to sources, Imran was informed of concerns by prominent PTI activists based in the United States. It is believed that the activists expressed growing discontent with the committee's direction, particularly in PTI's international chapters. Particularly, the PTI's US chapter is said to be divided regarding how it views Pakistan's military establishment. While some members have taken an aggressive stance against the military and its leadership, others are now advocating for dialogue and reconciliation.
A group of doctors and businessmen from the United States recently visited Islamabad, where they reportedly met Khan in Adiala jail and a high-ranking government official. Their efforts, perceived as an attempt to mend ties between PTI and the military, drew criticism from hardliners within the party’s diaspora.
As long as hawkish factions within the PTI, particularly its social media wings, continue to openly target the military leadership, rapprochement-minded party leaders believe that meaningful dialogue with the establishment is unlikely. The potential removal of certain individuals from influential positions within the PTI may signal a broader strategy to recalibrate the party’s approach in anticipation of future political developments. The party's most serious effort is to free its jailed founder chairman.
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