Islamabad, November 28, 2024- Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has dismissed reports claiming his nomination as chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Refuting the speculation, Qaiser clarified that any decision regarding the party’s leadership would only be made after consulting PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently behind the bars in Adiala jail Rawalpindi.
Qaiser’s statement followed reports alleging that Imran Khan had removed Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as PTI chairman and nominated Qaiser as his replacement. Further claims suggested the removal of both Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as chairman and Salman Akram Raja as secretary general.
These developments came amid the fallout from PTI’s recent protest in Islamabad. Imran Khan had called for a decisive demonstration in the capital against alleged rigging in the February 8 elections and to demand the release of detained party workers. The protest was led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi.
The protest culminated in a midnight crackdown on November 26, after the government warned PTI against entering D-Chowk. A joint operation by Islamabad police, Punjab police, and Rangers resulted in the dispersal of demonstrators and the arrest of hundreds of PTI workers.
The abrupt end to the protest left many party supporters disillusioned, with some openly criticizing PTI leaders for their absence during the confrontation. As the party grapples with internal and external challenges, the leadership shuffle has added to the uncertainty surrounding PTI’s future direction.
