Imran Khan told senior PTI figure Sher Afzal Marwat he is “deeply disappointed” with his sister Aleema and the party’s current leadership.
Sher Afzal Marwat, a longtime activist within Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf, relayed the founder’s sentiment during a closed‑door meeting in Islamabad on Thursday. He said Khan expressed frustration over what he described as “misguided” decisions taken by the party’s top brass and by Aleema Khan, who has been steering several of PTI’s protest initiatives since her brother’s removal from power. Marwat’s comments come as the PTI’s street mobilisations have lost momentum and internal disputes have begun to surface publicly.
According to Marwat, Imran Khan’s disappointment stems from a perceived departure from the movement’s original anti‑corruption agenda. He alleged that the leadership’s recent tactics—such as uncoordinated rallies and divergent messaging—have confused supporters and weakened the party’s bargaining power with the establishment. The founder also voiced concern that Aleema’s increasing influence over strategic choices has sidelined senior cadres who have long served the party.
The internal rift could have tangible repercussions as Pakistan heads toward the next general elections, scheduled for early 2027. Analysts warn that a fractured PTI may struggle to consolidate its traditional voter base in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regions where the party once enjoyed overwhelming support. Moreover, dissent within the ranks may embolden rival parties, particularly the Pakistan Muslim League‑N and the Pakistan Peoples Party, to capitalize on PTI’s disunity.
Aleema Khan, who entered the political arena following her brother’s imprisonment, has been a polarising figure. While she has championed several social‑welfare projects, critics accuse her of centralising authority and bypassing established party structures. The founder’s reported disappointment highlights a growing schism between the PTI’s founding vision and the current operational approach, raising questions about the party’s ability to present a cohesive front in the months ahead.