PTI battles internal rift over Imran’s ‘rigidity’

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Monday accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan of seeking chaos rather than dialogue, a claim that ironically mirrors growing frustration within PTI’s own ranks, where several senior leaders are struggling to convince their party chief to adopt a reconciliatory approach.

Talking to The News, Rana Sanaullah said the government including the prime minister himself had repeatedly extended offers for dialogue to PTI, but those overtures had been rejected. “Imran Khan does not want talks; he wants chaos,” Rana said. “He is using every possible means to incite his supporters towards protests and violence.”

Interestingly, the same dynamic appears to exist within PTI. According to party insiders, while a majority of PTI parliamentarians are eager for political dialogue, Imran Khan remains reluctant to pursue that path.

A senior PTI leader told The News that efforts are underway to persuade Khan to allow the party to engage in talks without imposing preconditions or deadlines. “Leaders including Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar have been requested to convince Imran Khan to give dialogue a fair chance,” the leader said. “The government, too, should keep the door for talks open and give our second-tier leadership space to persuade him.”

Sources within PTI confirmed that Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is among those who strongly favour dialogue. He believes that negotiations are essential to secure political space for the party and seek relief for its jailed leadership, including Imran Khan. Gandapur held a detailed meeting with Khan in Adiala Jail on Monday, though the outcome of their discussion remains unannounced.

Adding to the party’s internal woes is rising resentment among PTI leaders towards the party’s social media teams and associated YouTubers. Several leaders privately complain that relentless online trolling by PTI’s own digital supporters is stifling internal debate and discouraging moderate voices.

“We cannot express honest opinions because the trolls want everyone to adopt the same aggressive, foul-mouthed tone as theirs,” one senior leader lamented. “If this continues unchecked, it will only strengthen the most extreme views driven by hatred and intolerance.”

As the gulf widens between PTI’s leadership and its rank and file, and with government overtures repeatedly spurned, prospects for meaningful political dialogue appear increasingly uncertain.