Islamabad, November 28, 2024 – In a significant setback for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has resigned as Secretary General of the party. Sahibazada Hamid Raza of Suuni Ittehad Council (SIC) also resigned from the PTI committees.
Salman Akram Raja, citing “personal reasons,” tendered his resignation and informed the party leadership of his decision. “My resignation should be accepted. I will continue to serve the party as a lawyer,” he stated. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed receiving Raja’s resignation but said it had not yet been accepted, adding that Raja had been urged to reconsider. Appointed in September on Imran Khan’s instructions, Raja recently faced criticism for his perceived inaction during PTI’s November 24 protest in Islamabad.
Meanwhile, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, a member of the PTI’s core and political committees, also announced his resignation, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s strategy and lack of consultation on key issues. He further offered to resign from his National Assembly seat, stating he would seek Imran Khan’s approval during a planned meeting in prison before finalizing the decision.
The resignations come amidst a contentious aftermath of PTI’s “do-or-die” demonstration in Islamabad, during which Raja alleged that at least 20 PTI supporters were killed. In a video statement, he claimed the party had evidence, including videos, of eight deceased individuals and accused authorities of covering up casualties by withholding records and denying families access to injured supporters.
