A fierce battle for loyalty and control is unfolding within the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), with expelled City Council members standing firm in their allegiance to party founder Imran Khan.
In a bold move, these members, who were expelled for refusing to follow Khan's directives during mayoral elections over two years ago, have declared their continued loyalty to the party's chairman. They argue that the current PTI leadership is illegitimate, referring to them as "fake office-bearers" with no constitutional authority.
Asad Aman, the parliamentary leader of the PTI in the City Council, addressed the media at the Karachi Press Club, highlighting the absence of a proper organizational structure within the party. He pointed out that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had already invalidated the PTI's intra-party elections before the general elections, and the subsequent polls held after the elections were neither approved nor rejected by the ECP.
"Who are these individuals issuing expulsion notices when there's no legitimate structure in place?" Aman questioned. He emphasized that only Imran Khan has the power to decide their political fate, and they will accept his decision once he is released from jail.
The PTI's recent expulsion of 32 City Council members, including Aman, has been described as a "renewed campaign" to enforce discipline and send a strong message to those who defy Mr. Khan's orders. However, Aman and his colleagues argue that a "Q-League group" has taken control of the party, consisting of individuals who have switched parties multiple times and are now preaching loyalty.
"We are loyal only to Imran Khan, not to any other leader," Aman stated. "Imran Khan is the heart and soul of the party for us. We were elected because of his vision, and we will resign without hesitation if he asks us to."
