Islamabad/Lahore: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues to spiral deeper into internal turmoil, with senior lawyer and party leader Barrister Salman Akram Raja resigning from the post of Secretary General after a bitter dispute with influential figures inside the party. His exit marks yet another setback for PTI at a time when it is already grappling with defections, internal divisions, and mounting external pressure.

According to highly reliable sources cited by Jang and The News, Salman Akram Raja has decided to part ways with PTI politics entirely and refocus on his legal profession, which had suffered significant financial losses due to his involvement in politics. Reportedly, he was losing “tens of millions of rupees annually” in legal practice, a matter of growing concern for his family and close associates.

Clashes with Party Leadership

The immediate trigger for his resignation, sources suggest, was the abrasive behavior of Bushra Bibi, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, coupled with harsh remarks from Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum—ironically a figure Salman Akram Raja had long supported. The clash reportedly left him deeply disheartened.

Salman Akram Raja had previously aligned himself closely with Aleema Khanum, particularly during the internal struggle when Bushra Bibi was perceived to be consolidating her influence over party leadership. Raja provided Aleema with substantial legal support during that period, earning him her admiration. However, her recent criticism reportedly left him devastated, leading to his exit.

Leadership Vacuum and Secretary Generalship

With Raja’s resignation, the position of PTI Secretary General is now vacant, and several names have surfaced as potential replacements. Among them, Sardar Latif Khosa, a seasoned lawyer and politician, has emerged as the frontrunner in the race.

Party insiders confirm that discussions are ongoing at the highest levels to finalize a candidate who can stabilize the party’s internal structure at a time when PTI is bleeding members and losing political ground across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Hamid Azhar’s Withdrawal and By-Election Impact

In a parallel development, Hamid Azhar, another prominent PTI leader, has withdrawn from the race for NA-129 in Lahore, a constituency long considered a PTI stronghold. His decision to step back has opened the door for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), significantly boosting their chances in the upcoming by-election.

Observers note that Azhar’s withdrawal underscores the disarray within PTI ranks, where many senior figures are either stepping away from active politics or rethinking their positions in light of party instability and government crackdowns.

International Angle: Jemima Goldsmith’s Concerns

Adding to the intrigue, Jemima Goldsmith, ex-wife of Imran Khan, expressed alarm through a tweet following the arrests of Aleema Khanum’s sons. The development has reportedly sparked fear and discomfort within Khan’s family circle abroad, particularly concerning the well-being of Khan’s own sons, Sulaiman and Qasim.

Analysts believe this marks a sensitive chapter in the PTI saga, where internal disputes, legal troubles, and familial pressures are converging to further weaken Imran Khan’s already embattled party.

Salman Akram Raja’s Return to Legal Profession

Sources close to Salman Akram Raja confirm that he has made a firm decision to retreat from politics and return full-time to his legal career. Widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most accomplished barristers, Raja’s reputation in the legal fraternity has often overshadowed his political role.

His supporters argue that his departure from PTI politics is a “logical step” given the mounting frustrations, internal party bickering, and the financial sacrifices he was forced to make. “He will now dedicate himself fully to the law, where his expertise is most valuable,” one associate noted.

Intensifying PTI Fragmentation

The exit of Salman Akram Raja is just the latest sign of growing fragmentation within PTI. Over the past several months, the party has witnessed a steady stream of defections, resignations, and sidelining of prominent figures.

The tug-of-war between Bushra Bibi and Aleema Khanum within PTI’s inner circles has further complicated matters, leaving Imran Khan’s political camp divided and uncertain. Party veterans warn that unless a unifying figure emerges soon, PTI risks losing its organizational structure and its remaining political momentum.

Political Analysts’ Perspective

Analysts suggest that PTI’s internal collapse is reaching a new peak. With its chairman Imran Khan imprisoned and its organizational hierarchy shaken, the party appears unable to resolve personal rivalries or maintain cohesion among its leaders.

The race for a new Secretary General is being viewed as a critical test. If Sardar Latif Khosa, a figure with legal and political clout, assumes the role, PTI may regain some stability. However, without decisive leadership and internal unity, many fear that the party’s disintegration will only accelerate.

Conclusion

The resignation of Salman Akram Raja has added yet another layer to PTI’s ongoing political crisis. His decision to abandon politics, citing personal and professional losses, reflects the growing disillusionment among senior figures within the party.

As names circulate for the position of Secretary General and rivalries between Bushra Bibi and Aleema Khanum intensify, PTI’s future hangs in the balance. The party, once considered Pakistan’s most powerful political force, is now battling not only external pressures but also self-inflicted wounds of division and mistrust.

Unless Imran Khan’s movement finds a way to reconcile its factions and rebuild trust among its leadership, the present wave of defections and resignations could mark the beginning of PTI’s most difficult political chapter yet.