Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s political committee on Monday rejected reports of factionalism inside the party, saying its leaders and workers remain united behind incarcerated founder Imran Khan’s leadership, ideology and mission, after a meeting that reviewed the country’s political and economic situation.
Denial matters because reports of disagreements over the party’s response to its current challenges had fuelled speculation about rival groupings, including rumours that a group of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lawmakers backed Ali Amin Gandapur as acting provincial president.
“Putting aside political differences, all party leaders and workers will continue to struggle for common goals,” the committee said in a statement shared on X, according to Dawn and Pakistan Today.
Committee stressed that maintaining party discipline was extremely important in the current difficult political situation, and warned that action would be taken under uniform principles against anyone who violated the party’s established rules, discipline or policies.
Irresponsible statements made outside the party platform and violations of organisational discipline would not be overlooked, the committee said, adding that strict compliance with its code of conduct would be ensured to protect internal unity, solidarity and organisational stability.
Committee also demanded the immediate release of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, provincial assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and other detained parliamentarians, calling their detention illegal and an affront to democratic values and the public mandate, Pakistan Today reported.
It demanded that the Supreme Court’s orders on Khan’s medical treatment be implemented immediately and fully, that his family be kept regularly informed about his health, and that arrangements be made for family visits, according to Dawn.
Same facilities and family access must also be ensured for Bushra Bibi, the committee said, while strongly condemning the arrest of Khan’s sisters and the treatment meted out to them, The Nation reported.
Committee condemned rising terrorism across the country as a national menace, saying counterterrorism operations must not be used as a means of political victimisation and that the fundamental rights of political workers and opposition supporters must be protected.
It also demanded genuine relief for the public through lower petroleum prices, reduced electricity bills and cheaper LPG and basic necessities, after expressing concern over inflation and the burden on consumers, UrduPoint reported.
Parliamentarians, the party’s parliamentary group and other stakeholders must be fully involved in consultations on the party’s future course, the committee said, adding that their suggestions and concerns would be given particular consideration.
What is confirmed is the committee’s statement, its denial of any grouping or division, and its demands on detentions, medical treatment and prices. What is not yet known is when the promised future strategy will be presented, as the committee said only that it would be finalised at the earliest and shared with workers and the public, giving no date.
