PTI mulls changes in core, political committees

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is contemplating changes within its core and political committees, with discussions underway among top party leaders to remove controversial figures such as Shahbaz Gill from these bodies.

According to party insiders, the proposed changes will be discussed with the party’s incarcerated founding chairman, Imran Khan, whose approval remains essential for any major restructuring.

In a related development, PTI recently formally dissolved its Foreign Affairs and International Relations Committee. The committee, established earlier this year on January 28, included prominent figures such as Zulfi Bukhari, Sajjad Burki, Shahbaz Gill and Atif Khan.

The dissolution was announced through a notification issued by Barrister Gohar Khan, acting on the directives of Imran Khan.

Sources reveal that the move came in response to concerns relayed to Imran Khan by some prominent US-based PTI activists. The activists are believed to have conveyed growing unease over the committee’s direction, especially within PTI’s overseas chapters.

PTI’s US chapter, in particular, is said to be divided over its approach towards Pakistan’s military establishment. While some members have taken an aggressive stance against the military and its leadership, others are now advocating for dialogue and reconciliation.

This internal rift became more visible after a group of US-based doctors and businessmen recently visited Islamabad, where they reportedly met a high-level government official as well as Imran Khan in Adiala jail. Their efforts, perceived as an attempt to mend ties between PTI and the military, drew criticism from hardliners within the party’s diaspora.

Party leaders favoring rapprochement believe that meaningful dialogue with the establishment is unlikely as long as hawkish factions within the PTI — and particularly its social media wings — continue to openly target the military leadership.

The potential removal of certain individuals from influential positions within the PTI may signal a broader strategy to recalibrate the party’s approach in anticipation of future political developments. The most serious effort of the party is to get relief for its jailed founder chairman.