LAHORE:
Internal divisions in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spilled into the open after a tense exchange between Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and the party’s information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram on a WhatsApp group, prompting both to quit the group in quick succession.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the dispute stemmed from Sheikh Waqas Akram’s remarks during a television program when he was asked about reports that Imran Khan’s sisters had missed an opportunity to meet the jailed PTI founder, while only one of his sisters had been granted access.
Taking a cautious stance, Sheikh Waqas replied that he had not spoken to Aleema Khan personally and was therefore not privy to the details.
He said that Aleema herself had published her position and that beyond that he was not aware of the matter.
However, he added that Bushra Bibi’s daughter and sister-in-law (bhabi) had been allowed to meet her, suggesting that the offer of meetings with Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi existed, albeit on terms set by the authorities.
According to sources, Aleema Khan took exception to Sheikh Waqas Akram’s response and used the main WhatsApp group, set up to coordinate efforts and strategies for Imran Khan’s release, to vent her frustration.
Taking a dig at Sheikh Waqas Akram, Aleema wrote: “I’m sure you find this amusing but if you can understand the family’s pain over our brother’s health.”
She argued that if the party leaders could not secure Imran Khan’s release, they should not expect the family to abandon its efforts to secure his freedom.
She further accused many within the PTI of siding with Imran Khan’s enemies against his family. Aleema wrote that they would restore their legal right to meet him and also secure his freedom.
Sheikh Waqas Akram then responded to the messages directed at him.
Acknowledging Imran Khan’s unparalleled sacrifices, he reminded Aleema that many PTI workers and leaders endured the same pain in the face of those who had died and those who remained behind bars because of Imran Khan’s struggle.
Sheikh Waqas further wrote that the position he had expressed during the TV program as well as in other talk shows reflected the position of the party and also her point of view. He wrote that he had explained the party’s position long before Babar Awan.
According to sources, Aleema Khan subsequently left the WhatsApp group. Sheikh Waqas Akram also later left the group.
Speaking to The Express Pakinomist without denying the development, Sheikh Waqas Akram said that Aleema Khan was his elder and differences could arise anywhere. He said there were no misgivings on his part.
In response to a question about Noreen Niazi’s reported meeting, he said he was not aware of it.
