Basic membership of PTI deserters terminated on Imran Khan’s orders

Following a significant number of defections from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Chairman Imran Khan has instructed the termination of basic memberships and removal from WhatsApp groups for all deserters, as confirmed by sources on Friday.

Among those removed from the WhatsApp groups are Jamshed Cheema and his wife, as reported by the sources. The PTI’s official Twitter account has also shared and retweeted posts referring to the defections as “forced divorces,” although no specific references have been shared yet. The party intends to update social media accounts with information about the defectors.

In a separate tweet, Imran Khan stated that his party is facing what he described as “the full force of state terror.” He highlighted the events of May 25 last year, which he claimed marked the beginning of their descent into fascism. He alleged instances of houses being broken into during the night, kidnapping of PTI office bearers and workers, tear gas, rubber bullets, and police brutality faced by those who reached Islamabad. He also mentioned the detention of over 10,000 PTI workers and supporters, including senior leadership, with some allegedly facing custodial torture.

Imran Khan further expressed concerns about the state’s actions, citing the pretext of arson on May 9 and the dismantling of the party through “forced divorces” and military court trials. He warned that this attempt to subdue them would fail due to the politically aware young population who gather information from social media despite media restrictions.

The PTI has faced intensified pressure from the state following protests that resulted in the burning and destruction of military installations, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, following Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, which the army termed a “Black Day.” Many party leaders, lawmakers, and thousands of workers have been detained in connection with the violent protests. The army has called for those involved in the attacks to be tried under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.

As a consequence of the ongoing situation, Asad Umar, a close aide of Imran Khan, has stepped down from his positions as secretary-general and core committee member, citing the prevailing circumstances. Several other party leaders and lawmakers, including Fawad Chaudhary, Shireen Mazari, and Aamir Mehmood Kiani, have publicly denounced the attacks on state installations and announced their departure from the PTI since the events of May 9.