Imran Khan Overrules PTI on By-Elections, Directs Boycott

PTI lawmakers told to quit parliamentary committees, Achakzai floated as NA opposition leader candidate

ISLAMABAD, August 27, 2025 — In a dramatic turn of events, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has decided to boycott the upcoming by-elections for both national and provincial assemblies after its jailed founder, Imran Khan, overturned the party’s earlier decision.

The move came after PTI’s political committee revisited its stance following consultations with Khan at Adiala Jail. Just a day earlier, the committee had narrowly voted to participate in the polls.

Khan’s Directive from Prison

Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, relayed his instructions to the media after meeting him in jail. Flanked by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, she dismissed reports of any dispute with him, stressing that Raja was “like family.” She added that her brother had asked the committee to re-evaluate its earlier decision and align with his guidance.

Later, PTI lawmaker Amir Dogar confirmed that the party would follow Khan’s directive, not only staying out of the by-elections but also withdrawing from parliamentary committees, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Opposition Leader Nominations

On the issue of parliamentary leadership, Raja clarified that Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz remained PTI’s opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate, respectively, as their legal challenges were still ongoing. However, if a change became necessary, Khan had recommended Mehmood Khan Achakzai as the next NA opposition leader.

Internal Rift Within PTI

Party insiders revealed that Khan’s directive overruled a close 12–9 committee vote in favor of contesting by-elections. Figures such as Sheikh Waqqas Akram, Salman Akram Raja, Hamid Raza, and Arif Alvi had opposed participation, while leaders including Aliya Hamza, Sanaullah Mastikhel, and Amir Dogar supported it.

Former NA speaker Asad Qaiser told reporters that Khan believed contesting would “legitimize the government’s unconstitutional act of de-seating PTI lawmakers,” stressing that the party should instead focus on protests and legal action.

Wider Political Implications

Observers say the decision reflects PTI’s long-standing pattern of withdrawing from legislative forums. Political analyst Ahmed Bilal Mehboob described the reversal as proof that PTI remains a “one-man show,” heavily dependent on Khan’s approval.

He noted with irony that the party was again leaving key parliamentary positions, a move it had taken earlier when resigning en masse from the National Assembly and provincial governments.

Meanwhile, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, part of the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan alliance, acknowledged the growing divide within PTI ranks, warning that the internal split was disheartening party supporters.

Key Takeaway

With Imran Khan’s veto, PTI is now firmly positioned to boycott by-elections, abandon parliamentary committees, and intensify its street agitation—further cementing Khan’s grip over party strategy despite his imprisonment.