PTI denies internal division, warns members against breaching discipline

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said on Monday that there is no factionalism or division within the party. The statement came after a meeting of its political committee, which discussed party matters and the overall situation in the country, according to Daily Times.

The committee warned that action would be taken against any member who violates party discipline or policy. It said such action would follow uniform principles and that irresponsible statements and breaches of organisational discipline would not be overlooked.

In its statement, the committee said: "The entire party is united with Imran Khan's leadership, his ideology and his mission. Putting aside political differences, all party leaders and workers will continue to struggle for common goals." Business Recorder reported that the party also accused the government of intensifying political victimisation of its leaders and supporters.

The meeting also discussed the imprisonment of Imran Khan and his family members, the arrests of party leaders and workers, and the issues of key leaders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The committee demanded the release of Afridi, KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and other provincial lawmakers detained when governor's rule and an emergency were imposed in the province on Oct 11.

On Imran Khan's health, the committee expressed concern over reports that he and his wife Bushra Bibi were moved to hospital without the family being taken into confidence. It said: "Not informing [their] families in a timely manner is contrary to fundamental human rights and legal requirements." It demanded immediate and full implementation of Supreme Court orders on his medical treatment, regular updates to his family and facilities for family meetings. It also sought proper medical care and family meetings for Bushra Bibi.

The committee demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan's sisters Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, detained since late September under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and permission for them to meet him. It said: "Depriving the family of their basic right to inquire about their loved one's well-being and to meet them is unacceptable."

The committee also voiced serious reservations over alleged arrests of party leaders and workers, particularly under the MPO, and urged that no one be targeted for revenge over political differences. It condemned alleged raids on the homes of Omar Ayub Khan, Sher Ali Arbab, Shah Ahad and other leaders, calling them reprehensible.