Junaid Akbar Khan: Party Members Must Earn Their Place, No Room for Political Opportunists

Junaid Akbar Khan, the President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has emphasized the need to establish a clear system of rewards and punishments within the party. He stated that it is unacceptable for an individual to neglect the party during difficult times and still expect to receive a ticket during elections.

Speaking in an interview on ARY News, Khan highlighted the difference between a political worker and a political servant. He noted that he has always been a political worker and refrains from pressuring party members to meet targets for attendance at rallies or events. According to him, forcing targets upon people would suggest they don’t fully own the party, and he is keen on maintaining a culture where everyone in the party holds responsibility.

“I’ve always said that I will not set targets because that would imply that you don’t own the party. There should be a distinction between a political worker and a political servant, and I will not give any instructions like bringing a certain number of people to a rally,” he remarked.

Junaid Akbar Khan went on to stress that anyone who works hard and contributes to the party will be promoted, while those who do not show commitment will have no place within PTI. “Those who contribute to the party’s work will advance; those who don’t will have no place in the party. Everyone knows me—if I fail in this, I will resign from the presidency.”

Addressing questions regarding PTI members who were allegedly elected through compromising or unfaithful methods, Khan confirmed that the party is aware of certain members who had provided contradictory statements to show loyalty to Imran Khan, especially during the constitutional amendment phase. “There is knowledge within the party about those who made commitments before or after the election,” he said, signaling that the leadership is aware of political compromises made by some members.