Internal divisions have surfaced within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as 25 of its members have not yet resigned from the National Assembly standing committees. This divergence in approach poses a significant challenge for the party’s leadership, which has been pushing for collective resignations.
PTI Members Still Retaining Committee Roles
According to recent developments, several PTI lawmakers continue to hold positions on standing committees despite the party’s call for resignations. Among the members yet to step down are Saleemur Rehman and Shafiq Arain.
Others who remain active include Bashir Khan, Ayesha Nazir, Fayaz Hussain, Riaz Fatyana, and Mehboob Sultan. Their decision to stay on highlights a split within the party ranks regarding parliamentary participation.
Divergence in Party Strategy
While the PTI leadership advocates for complete withdrawal from parliamentary committees, some members believe in maintaining engagement. This difference of opinion underscores the difficulty of enforcing a uniform strategy across a diverse group of legislators.
Party insiders suggest that certain members view continued involvement in committees as a means of staying relevant in parliamentary affairs. Others, however, argue that resignations are necessary to maintain pressure on the government and demonstrate party unity.
Implications for PTI Leadership
The reluctance of 25 members to resign reflects broader challenges in PTI’s internal cohesion. Leadership now faces the task of addressing dissent without deepening divisions. Balancing strategic withdrawal with effective representation in parliament remains a pressing concern.
Observers believe that this development may influence PTI’s broader political strategy. If members continue to defy leadership directives, it could weaken the party’s bargaining position and diminish its credibility in pushing for reforms.
A Test of Unity Ahead
The ongoing situation serves as a test of PTI’s ability to project unity during a period of political uncertainty. Whether the remaining members eventually resign or continue participating in committee work will shape perceptions of the party’s strength and discipline.
For now, the issue highlights the competing priorities within PTI—between maintaining institutional influence and demonstrating collective opposition. The outcome will likely determine how the party positions itself in the months ahead.
