Small Disruptive Group Exists Within PTI and Must Be Dealt With, Says Salman Akram Raja

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Salman Akram Raja has said that a small disruptive group exists within the party and will have to be dealt with, stressing that the party remains united for its larger objectives.

Speaking on ARY News, Raja said that PTI founder Imran Khan had also expressed displeasure with certain internal issues and had instructed party leaders to address them.

Rejecting reports that he had apologized to PTI leader Mashal Yousafzai, Raja termed the claims “completely false.” He said that the PTI founder had instead reprimanded Mashal Yousafzai and warned her against using inappropriate language.

Raja alleged that some individuals within the party did not want Sohail Afridi to become chief minister and claimed that a coordinated campaign was launched against both him and Afridi from the day Afridi assumed office.

“There is a small disruptive group in the party that will have to be dealt with. The entire party is united for a bigger cause, and many principled people are part of PTI,” he said.

Addressing allegations regarding party finances, Raja questioned claims surrounding Rs400 million allegedly provided by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

“Ali Amin Gandapur himself should explain to whom the Rs400 million was given. I have no knowledge of where that money went,” he said.

Raja defended the need for financial contributions from lawmakers, saying that political parties cannot be run without support from elected representatives.

He also warned that those creating obstacles within or outside the party would have to be confronted, adding that internal divisions should not distract PTI from its broader political goals.

“I would not be affected even if I left the party. The PTI founder assigned me this responsibility despite my reluctance,” he remarked.

Raja emphasized that the most important issues for the party remain the legal cases and health of PTI founder Imran Khan. He said the party should focus on its political movement while remaining committed to constitutional and legal means.

He rejected allegations regarding ticket distribution and contract awards, describing them as baseless. Raja further said that unnecessary accusations were made during the party’s movement and expressed regret that internal matters could not remain within party forums.

“We want to continue our movement, but PTI does not believe in violence. We seek our rights through constitutional and legal means,” he concluded.