PTI infighting deepens as Raja, Yousafzai trade allegations

Internal differences within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have intensified after a public dispute

ISLAMABAD: Internal differences within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have intensified after a public dispute between central secretary-general Salman Akram Raja and party leader Mashal Yousafzai.

The disagreement revolves around allegations linked to party tickets and internal decision-making. Both leaders have exchanged strong statements, further highlighting tensions within the party.

Mashal Yousafzai had accused Salman Akram Raja of involvement in what she described as the sale of party tickets. Raja rejected the allegation and responded sharply.

Raja questioned the credibility of the accusation. He said those who could not afford even a small amount to pursue a legal case had resorted to making serious allegations against him.

He also questioned Yousafzai’s knowledge of the circumstances surrounding her Senate position. Raja said she did not know who had played a role in getting her elected to the Senate.

Raja further stated that decisions regarding Yousafzai had been made on the instructions of PTI founder Imran Khan.

He said he did not possess the authority to remove Yousafzai from the Senate. He added that not taking action against her at the party level was an act of leniency on his part.

Yousafzai rejected Raja’s claims and responded with allegations of her own.

She claimed that Raja had apologised to Imran Khan on one occasion but later resumed making public statements against her and others.

Yousafzai also challenged Raja to take action against her if he believed he had the authority to remove her from the party.

The dispute has attracted attention because both figures hold prominent positions within PTI circles. Their public exchange has brought internal disagreements into the open at a time when the party is already facing political and organisational challenges.

PTI worker Shandana Gulzar also joined the debate.

Gulzar accused Raja of making an incorrect statement about financial matters. She questioned the handling of funds allegedly received from the United States.

She asked where the millions of rupees allegedly coming from the US had gone. Gulzar suggested that disclosure of the facts could create serious problems for those involved.

The allegations made by the PTI figures have not been independently established. The dispute remains centred on competing claims made by the individuals involved.

The latest confrontation has nevertheless raised questions about internal discipline and decision-making within the party.