PTI Leader Salman Akram Raja Claims Democratic Forces Have Faced Systematic Suppression in Pakistan
Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has alleged that Pakistan’s democratic process has repeatedly been undermined, claiming that political leaders who challenge the system are often prevented from exercising power.
Speaking during a podcast aired on Hum News, Raja questioned why former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is not currently serving as prime minister, alleging that “the system” fears he could reassert himself politically if given the opportunity.
Raja claimed that Pakistan’s democratic institutions and political process have historically been weakened through deliberate efforts. He cited the treatment of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) after 1977, referring to the execution of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and subsequent actions against the party, as well as the emergence of rival political forces, which he alleged were intended to weaken the PPP.
The PTI leader said that over the past several decades, politicians with independent democratic views had often been sidelined, while those perceived as compliant with the establishment were allowed to advance in politics.
Referring to his own political experience, Raja claimed that despite receiving more than 125,000 votes in the last general election, he was not declared the winner. He alleged that independent-minded politicians were prevented from succeeding because they could not be controlled.
نواز شریف پرانی تنخواہ پر نوکری کرنے کیلئے تیار!
سلمان اکرم راجہ کی انکشافات سے بھرپور گفتگو#HumNews #SalmanAKramRaja @salmanAraja pic.twitter.com/bnNNoscJCY— HUM News (@humnewspakistan) July 1, 2026
Commenting on Nawaz Sharif, Raja said the former prime minister had shown signs of asserting his independence in the past but was, in his view, repeatedly restrained. He also remarked that Sharif now appeared willing to work within the existing political framework.
Raja further said that political leaders from different parties, including the late Benazir Bhutto, had faced similar challenges over the years. He also claimed that he had been targeted by anonymous social media accounts because of his political views.
He concluded by saying that he entered politics at the request of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and would continue his political career for as long as possible, adding that he would otherwise return to practicing law.
The remarks reflect the personal opinions and political views expressed by Salman Akram Raja during the interview. There has been no official response from the individuals or institutions mentioned in his comments.
