Islamabad/Rawalpindi, August 26, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has refused to accept the resignation of the party’s secretary general, Salman Akram Raja, party leaders confirmed on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, Raja said: “Imran Khan did not accept my resignation. A fresh meeting of the political committee will be held this evening to decide the party’s position on the upcoming by-elections.” He added that Khan once again reiterated the name of Mehmood Khan Achakzai for the slot of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.
The development comes a day after Raja had announced his decision to step down as secretary general, citing personal reasons and a desire to focus on legal matters. In his earlier statement, Raja clarified he would continue to serve PTI as a lawyer on a voluntary basis, stressing that he was not a “traditional politician” but came from an ordinary family that had endured immense pressure.
Separately, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told the media in Islamabad that he met Imran Khan in Adiala Jail after three months and was satisfied with his condition.
“I was very pleased to meet him. These meetings should continue without restrictions. Imran Khan is being provided facilities, including newspapers, in jail,” Gohar said.
He added that discussions with the PTI founder covered national and party affairs, as well as the flood crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Khan expressed sorrow over the destruction caused by torrential rains and directed that extensive relief operations be carried out for victims.
Gohar also announced that PTI will hold a “protest movement” in September to push for judicial independence, restoration of democracy, and Khan’s release.
On the matter of Raja’s resignation, Barrister Gohar said it was only verbal and therefore “neither accepted nor rejected.” With Imran Khan’s explicit refusal, Raja is expected to continue as secretary general for now.
