A major development unfolded when an Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad declared two senior PTI leaders, Omar Ayub and Zartaj Gul, as proclaimed offenders. The ruling came after repeated failures by both leaders to appear before the court in the Sangjani political gathering case.
The court also ordered the seizure of their properties, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing legal challenges faced by the party’s leadership.
Court Proceedings and Key Orders
The case was heard by the presiding ATC judge, who cited continuous non-appearance by both leaders. Consequently, they were formally declared absconders. Authorities were then ordered to begin the property seizure process without delay.
However, exemption requests from four PTI members — Zain Qureshi, Ali Bukhari, Sher Afzal Marwat and Shoaib Shaheen — were approved. The hearing was then adjourned until December 20.
The case stems from a criminal complaint linked to a public gathering in the Sangjani area of Islamabad. Several PTI leaders were nominated in that case, increasing the party’s legal complications ahead of its ongoing political battles.
Deepening Divisions Inside PTI Leadership
While the court issued strict orders, internal disagreements within PTI continued to widen. According to party insiders, tensions between the political leadership and the technocratic as well as lawyer-led group have intensified sharply.
Several senior political figures have reportedly contacted Aleema Khan. They hope she can convey their concerns to the party’s founder. These leaders argue that the confrontational strategies championed by the lawyers’ group are damaging the party’s future.
They instead support dialogue with state institutions, believing negotiations can help reduce the ongoing political tensions.
Political Leadership Opposes Aggressive Tactics
The party’s political faction has strongly opposed calls for resignations from assemblies or for launching aggressive pressure tactics. They warn that such steps could isolate the party further. According to them, any move limiting PTI’s presence in parliament would be a serious error.
They also accuse the lawyers’ faction of steering the party toward a political cul-de-sac. Political leaders say several key decisions lack consultation and appear influenced by actors outside the main party structure.
Concerns Over Internal Decision-Making Grow
Many senior PTI politicians have voiced their frustration over what they describe as non-political and impractical decisions being imposed on the party. They also expressed concern over nominations for the opposition leader’s role being considered from outside PTI’s central leadership. Such choices, they argue, weaken the party’s internal democratic process.
Sources add that PTI’s political committee has repeatedly been ignored. Its recommendations were overlooked in important matters, which has intensified dissatisfaction inside the party.
A Party Under Pressure
With two top leaders declared absconders and internal tensions rising, PTI faces a critical moment. Legal pressures and widening internal divisions continue to challenge the party’s ability to maintain unity and strategize effectively.
