Barrister Gohar ‘removed’ from PTI chairmanship

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has removed Barrister Gohar Ali Khan from the position of party chairman, according to reports.

The move is part of a broader leadership overhaul within the party, prompted by internal criticism and growing dissent over the handling of recent protests and the party’s direction.

Following a meeting with Imran Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar confirmed that former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has been nominated as the new PTI chairman.

Zafar stated that the reshuffle was driven by Khan’s desire to give seasoned leaders the opportunity to lead the party through its current challenges.

In addition to the leadership change, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has resigned, following increased criticism of the party’s handling of the protest in Islamabad. Barrister Zafar clarified that Raja’s resignation was not voluntary but was a result of Khan’s decision to remove him from his position.

Ali Muhammad Khan has been appointed as the new Secretary General of PTI, replacing Raja. Sources indicate that the leadership changes within PTI may trigger further resignations as the party grapples with internal turmoil and mounting pressure after the failed protest in Islamabad.

The reshuffle comes amid growing unrest within PTI, as leaders, including Imran Khan, have faced backlash following a protest at D-Chowk that ended without achieving its goal of securing Khan’s release from custody.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had been elected unopposed as PTI chairman in December 2023, following Imran Khan’s disqualification in the Toshakhana case. His tenure was brief, reflecting the ongoing challenges facing the party.

Despite the crackdown on PTI workers, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reaffirmed that PTI would continue its sit-ins across Pakistan, insisting on the release of Imran Khan and the party’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.