Imran Khan 'halts' return of PTI deserters
1. Seven-member committee has been formed to decide fate of PTI leaders' return to party fold, say sources
Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has decided to block the return of party members who had deserted following the violent protests on May 9, 2023, until he is released from prison. In the aftermath of these protests, which involved incendiary speeches and attacks on state installations, many PTI leaders announced their departure from the party as a crackdown was initiated against them.
Ahead of the February 8 elections, there were reports that some of these deserters wished to rejoin PTI. However, the party leadership has categorically denied allowing them back. A seven-member committee has been formed to decide the fate of these leaders' return. This committee is led by PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and includes Asad Qaiser, Hamid Khan, Shehryar Afridi, Barrister Gohar, and Shibli Faraz. The committee will send a list of final names to Imran Khan, who will make the ultimate decision.
Additionally, Shandana Gulzar will report on the cases of PTI women and the reasons behind the leaders' decisions to quit the party.
