Imran assumes leadership of PTI prior to the protest.
Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, announced on Tuesday that, while the possibility for dialogue with influential stakeholders remains, a statewide protest movement is now the party’s sole remaining recourse.
The former premier asserted his complete authority over party affairs by assuming the role of PTI’s patron-in-chief, announcing his intention to spearhead a nationwide protest movement from prison, which he deemed the party’s sole remaining option following an alleged exclusion from political and legal recourse.
The newly appointed patron-in-chief designated Opposition Leader Omar Ayub in the National Assembly to oversee the protest movement, seemingly marginalizing Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who formerly managed such duties.
The PTI leader did not provide a date for the protest movement but indicated that it would extend beyond Islamabad this time. Khan reiterated that his readiness to talk was solely in the greater interest of Pakistan, rather than for any personal benefit.
The pronouncements were made by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who conferred with Khan at Adiala Jail during the Toshakhana II case proceedings.
In a subsequent media address, the PTI chairman stated that Khan perceives “all avenues have been obstructed” for PTI, and that a tranquil nationwide protest is now the sole course of action.
Gohar stated that Khan explicitly indicated his intention to personally lead the protest action, disseminating all directives via the NA opposition leader.
Significantly, Gohar affirmed that this time the communication on the protest would not depend on Gandapur, who had previously been assigned to organize and lead such rallies.
“For Ali Amin Khan Sahib,” he stated, “the current directives are to focus on the province and governance.”
Gohar stated that various roles will be allocated to distinct individuals, emphasizing that Khan possesses complete confidence in the party leadership and acknowledges the sacrifices made by numerous members inside the party.
In reply to an inquiry, he elucidated that no date or timeframe for the protest movement has been revealed, stating that Khan would ascertain the timing independently.
In response to another inquiry, Gohar affirmed that Khan has taken on the position of PTI’s patron-in-chief, thereby reestablishing complete authority over party decision-making.
“Henceforth, all significant decisions will be made by the PTI founder,” Gohar stated, emphasizing that he previously made all decisions as well. “He has been, is, and will perpetually be the leader,” he stated.
Refuting speculation regarding his potential ousting, Gohar affirmed his status as the rightful party chairman, contingent upon Khan’s decision, asserting that Khan has been, is, and will perpetually be the party leader, while he only executes responsibilities during Khan’s incarceration.
He characterized the speculation as mere unfounded rumors, asserting that certain individuals were disseminating falsehoods regarding his dismissal to incite confusion.
Gohar emphasized his preference for communication rather than confrontation, asserting that he has consistently sought to address conflicts through negotiation and continues to desire that approach.
However, he added that Khan believes “no political path has been left open” for PTI, especially after what he described as alleged rigging in the recent Sambrial by-election on the heels of alleged mandate theft in the general elections.
