PTI has been through Wringer in recent years, but its latest situation stands out – the party leadership turns a deaf ear to basic President Imran Khan’s repeated calls to contribute to Party Foundation, even if it is facing a serious financial crunch. Party Insiders say the money that evil mocks are with a perfect storm of challenges ranging from freezing party accounts from institutions to leaders holding their purse strings tight despite Khan’s instructions behind the columns. While some PTI managers publicly reject claims of an economic crunch, insiders reveal that the party is running on fumes. The situation has worsened to the extent that the staff’s wages have been cut by half and the party is now operating with a skeletal crew. To add insult to injuries, the decision to sack staff and cut wages for the remaining staff come when the PTI legislators have just received an increase in their salary from parliament. Previously, the legislators used to get a monthly salary of RS180,000, which has now been increased for each MNA and senator for RS519,000. It all started in January when a PTI circular, issued with the approval of Khan, instructed parliamentarians and ticket holders to make an annual contribution of RS240,000 with two six monthly installments to Party Funds.

"The party passes through one of its most difficult times in the party’s history," Read the circular and add that the party has decided that it has to encourage all those who have important positions in the party to raise the necessary funds to run the party. The Khan-approved circular had hoped to receive the necessary funds from party leaders in January 2025 and then every six months. However, the party’s insiders said, Khan’s instructions have not been taken seriously so far, and as a result, the party was forced to reduce the cost of cutting wages and employees.

"I don’t know the exact position," A senior PTI leader said, "But I believe that there are sufficient funds available for wages and expenses in Party Funds. In response to several questions, the party’s Stalwart revealed that no money was spent from the party’s funds for party leaders’ recent visits to Sindh and said everyone either carried all his expenses or contributed to the visit. In addition, PTI -Leader said opposition parties’ recent hugs were sponsored by Awam Pakistan collector Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and PKMAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and said PTI also contributed, but most of the expenses were carried by Abbasi and Achakzai.

"There is no question of not contributing to Party Foundation, especially according to Khan SaBib’s directions," He underlined. "RS240,000 is not much. I do not have accurate numbers, but many have contributed." Nevertheless, he offered no explanation for reducing the party’s staff and cutting wages to half. PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram said the party decided to raise funds from its members after the FIA ​​and ECP froze their accounts and stopped financial influxes.

"It’s the responsibility of MNAs, MPAs and Ticket holders to take care of the people who work for the party," Said the PTI spokesman. Akram clarified that he is information secretary does not interfere in the party’s finance department, but added that party leaders have contributed to and from banks. However, he did not have accurate details of the justification that "It’s not my department." He did not specifically comment on the dismissal of PTI employees and the cut of their wages. Several other party leaders, including PTI chairman Barrister Gohar, were also asked to share their comments, but they didn’t.