Confusion in PTI Ranks: Two Separate Lists Issued for Meeting with Imran Khan in Jail
Islamabad:Confusion arose within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday after two separate lists of party leaders eligible to meet the party’s founder, Imran Khan, surfaced ahead of a scheduled visit.
Lawyer Salman Akram Raja released an alternative list shortly after a list issued by Barrister Ali Zafar. Raja’s list includes Sohail Afridi, Babar Saleem Swati, Asad Qaiser, Junaid Akbar, and Taimur Saleem Jhagra. Meanwhile, Ali Zafar’s list names Sohail Afridi, Junaid Akbar, Shahid Khattak, Aun Abbas, Taimur Saleem, and Zar Alam Khan.
According to PTI sources, the responsibility for preparing and approving the final list was originally assigned to Barrister Ali Zafar.
In a related development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has written to the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, expressing concern over the authorities’ failure to facilitate a meeting between him and the incarcerated party founder.
In his letter, Afridi requested a certified copy of the court’s order regarding the meeting permission. Sources said that once the copy is obtained, a contempt of court petition may be filed against the jail administration for non-compliance.
The dispute over the meeting lists and access to the former prime minister highlights continuing internal disorganization within PTI, as well as mounting tension between the party and government authorities over Imran Khan’s communication restrictions.
