ISLAMABAD: In a significant blow to the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), party’s secretary-general Salman Akram Raja announced on Monday his intention to resign from his post following an undisclosed incident that has compelled him to make a “decisive decision.”
In a post on X, Raja said he would formally request the party’s jailed founding chairman, Imran Khan, to accept his resignation, stating that he could no longer continue in the role.
“An incident has occurred today that now demands a decisive decision from me. My life is an open book. None of my actions contradict any principle. I do not accept compromise on intellectual and economic integrity. Tomorrow I will resign from my position by requesting Khan Sahib. My legal services will remain available without compensation,” he added.
He did not reveal details about the incident that compelled his decision, but noted that he had already sought to relinquish his role last week in order to concentrate on legal matters. However, he said Imran Khan had declined to accept his earlier request.
Expressing gratitude towards Khan for the trust placed in him, he outlined the principles that have guided his legal and political career: human dignity, resistance to oppression against women and minorities, economic justice, and upholding the supremacy of law and the constitution.
“I entered the political arena, along with providing legal assistance, on Imran’s instructions during the period of PTI’s tribulation,” Raja added.
“My aim was to contribute to the struggle for the supremacy of the Constitution, law and democracy. I am proud that I got the opportunity to contribute to the achievement of this goal with my body, mind and money.”
The announcement comes amid ongoing factional tensions within PTI’s leadership. Last year’s final protest call in Islamabad, which failed to mobilise mass support, intensified internal criticism.
Raja previously offered to resign in the wake of that setback, but was asked to continue in his role pending a decision by the party leadership.
The sources privy to the development told Business Recorder that Raja had been facing censure for his inability to galvanise support for PTI rallies, particularly from Lahore.
Some insiders attributed his demoralisation to alleged interference by former first lady Bushra Bibi, who reportedly insulted several party leaders during meetings in Peshawar ahead of the November protest.
Raja also faced criticism following a recent video message in which he explained his absence from a key mobilisation effort in Lahore, with some party members dismissing his explanations as “excuses.”
The PTI, once Pakistan’s leading political force, has seen increasing discord in recent months, with Imran Khan imposing strict directives on members to refrain from public discussions of internal disputes and to present a united front.
As Raja prepares to step down, the party’s leadership struggles to maintain cohesion ahead of looming political challenges.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025