Salman Akram Raja, the Secretary-General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has officially announced his decision to step down from the party position in order to concentrate fully on legal matters, particularly in light of the ongoing judicial actions against PTI leadership.
In a statement released on Monday, Raja cited the recent 10-year prison sentences handed to senior PTI leaders Shibli Faraz and Omar Ayub in connection with the May 9 cases as the turning point that compelled him to take a firm stance.
“Today, an incident occurred that demands a decisive move from me,” Raja wrote, referencing the sentencing. He clarified that while he is stepping back from his political role, his commitment to PTI remains unwavering. “My legal services for the party will continue without any compensation,” he affirmed.
Resignation Requested, Legal Loyalty Maintained
Salman Akram Raja noted that he is neither a career politician nor a person of inherited privilege. “I am not a seasoned politician, nor a feudal lord or mill owner. My family stands by me, and my integrity—both intellectual and financial—remains intact,” he said.
Raja also mentioned that he had previously made a private request through Advocate Ali Bukhari to PTI founder Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, seeking permission to step down so he could devote his efforts to defending party leaders in court. At that time, Imran Khan had declined the request, expressing his continued confidence in Raja’s leadership.
Despite that support, Raja said he plans to formally ask Imran Khan again to relieve him of his duties. “Tomorrow, I will request Khan Sahib to accept my resignation from the post of Secretary-General,” he wrote.
Raja concluded his statement by thanking Imran Khan for the trust he had placed in him and reaffirmed his dedication to serving PTI’s legal needs, especially as the party faces a barrage of court cases and legal challenges in the months ahead.
