ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan’s recent call for civil disobedience has left his party leadership shocked. Many leaders believe the move is impractical and poorly timed.
In internal WhatsApp discussions, several party members expressed concerns over the decision. They feel that such a call cannot be implemented effectively. According to party insiders, senior leaders are considering addressing the issue with Imran Khan to have the decision reversed.
Sources revealed that prominent PTI figures, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and Asad Qaiser, only learned about the call for civil disobedience through Imran Khan’s post on “X” (formerly Twitter).
“This plan is not realistic,” one insider stated. The source explained that overseas Pakistanis will not stop sending remittances to their families, nor will people refuse to pay electricity or gas bills. Even PTI lawmakers are unlikely to participate, as their involvement could lead to disqualification from parliament.
A party leader remarked that whoever is advising Imran Khan on such matters is harming both the party and its chairman. This isn’t the first time party members have been upset with sudden decisions. On November 24, Imran Khan announced a protest without consulting senior leaders. Many top figures wanted to meet him to discuss that decision but were unable to do so due to restrictions on visiting the jailed chairman.
When asked about the situation, senior PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan said the party leadership plans to meet Imran Khan for further guidance. He added that the committee formed by the chairman will begin its work in the meantime.
Imran Khan’s civil disobedience announcement continues to spark debates within the party as leaders grapple with its potential implications.
