Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif highlighted significant concerns about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during a recent interview, describing it as more of a cult than a political party. Speaking in Islamabad, Asif emphasized that the PTI’s internal dynamics are characterized by abuse and manipulation, pointing out that even leaders like Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, have been subjected to attacks.
Asif explained that despite its founder’s popularity, every other leader within PTI faces harassment and retaliation from party members. He warned that these individuals’ interests and the well-being of their constituents are often disregarded. As a consequence, he suggested that for the preservation of interests such as those belonging to Aleema Khan or Sohail Afridi, leaders have resorted to extreme measures like declaring plans to form special units aimed at publicizing their loyalty.
In another instance, Asif brought attention to a group of lawyers whose careers are heavily dependent on and beholden to Imran Khan. These individuals use the PTI leader as leverage to maintain political relevance, often resorting to provocative statements that encourage keeping Khan imprisoned in order to sustain their own political positions.