PTI rejects reports of shake-up in party's decision-making structure

The political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has firmly denied rumors suggesting changes to its decision-making structure, according to a spokesperson for the organization. Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram clarified that the core committee, political committee, and parliamentary party are separate entities, each with their own distinct duties.

The core and political committees handle organizational and political matters, while the parliamentary party focuses on legislative and parliamentary issues. Recommendations from the parliamentary committee are considered and can be referred to the relevant committees, but ultimate authority over decisions rests with PTI founder Imran Khan, who has delegated power to these committees.

During a meeting, Barrister Ali Zafar suggested strengthening the parliamentary committee, but no such decision was made. PTI leader Naeem Haider Panjutha stated that Imran Khan had entrusted the political committee with decision-making authority, while the core committee must be consulted before finalizing decisions. The larger membership of the core committee made decision-making cumbersome, which led to the formation of the political committee to streamline the process and reduce the risk of leaked discussions.

Panjutha also mentioned a proposal to include heads of the party's organizational bodies in the political committee.

The PTI rejected a statement purportedly from PTI interim chief Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, which claimed that KP chief minister could have avoided detention by staying in Mardan, but he chose to travel to Peshawar as part of a "pre-planned master plan." The party condemned the prolonged detention of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, highlighting their 1,177-day confinement in Adiala Jail, including 356 days in solitary confinement.

They also criticized the denial of their fundamental rights and the use of state apparatus to intimidate political opponents. The party urged for the return of all legal, fundamental, and constitutional rights, including regular meetings with family members, lawyers, and party leadership, as well as proper medical care and a medical examination for Imran Khan.