PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja steps down amid criticism 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) nominated Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja has resigned from his position following persistent criticism after the failed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk.

The position of PTI’s secretary-general has remained vacant for over two months, with no replacement appointed since Omar Ayub officially stepped down on September 7.

Salman Akram Raja had been nominated for the role at the direction of the party’s founding chairman Imran Khan but he had not been formally appointed. However, he submitted his resignation on Thursday. 

Party sources said that some PTI leaders had expressed reservations about Raja’s handling of protest-related matters, leading to internal criticism.

Also read: Islamabad protest: Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi booked on terrorism charges  

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, meanwhile, urged Raja to continue in his role despite the backlash, stating, “This is not the time to abandon your responsibilities. Criticism will always be there, but you must carry on with your work.” 

The resignation issue will now be presented before PTI’s political committee, which is set to convene at 6 pm in Peshawar today. The meeting, chaired by Barrister Gohar, will address the resignation and discuss other key matters, including updates on a hotline established for the families of missing PTI workers. 

Insiders said that both Barrister Gohar and Salman Akram Raja have faced significant criticism from party leaders. During the meeting, they were expected to present their stances. The political committee will also deliberate on decisions crucial to PTI’s future strategy. 

Raja’s resignation comes after his handling of the PTI protest participants in Lahore drew widespread dissatisfaction.

Tasked with leading a convoy from Lahore to Islamabad, he instead revised the plan to hold a protest in Lahore due to road blockages. Despite this, he failed to mobilise sufficient workers, further fueling discontent within the party.