Naya Pakistan
Despite Khan's popular persona in Pakistan, the PTI had limited initial success: it failed to win, as a collective, a single seat in the 1997 general election and the 2002 general election; only Khan himself was able to win a seat. From 1999 to 2007, the PTI supported the military presidency of Pervez Musharraf. It rose in opposition to Musharraf in 2007 and also boycotted the 2008 general election, accusing it of having been conducted with fraudulent procedures under Musharraf's rule. The global popularity of the "Third Way" during the Musharraf era led to the rise of a new Pakistani political bloc focused on centrism, deviating from the traditional dominance of the centre-left PPP and the centre-right PML–N. When the PML–Q began to decline in the aftermath of Musharraf's presidency, much of its centrist voter bank was lost to the PTI. Around the same time, the PPP's popularity began to decrease after the disqualification of Yousaf Raza Gillani in 2012. Similarly, the PTI appealed to many former PPP voters, particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, due to its outlook on populism.
In the 2013 general election, the PTI emerged as a major party with over 7.5 million votes, ranking second by number of votes and third by number of seats won. At the provincial level, it was voted to power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During its time in opposition, the PTI, with the help of popular slogans such as Tabdeeli Arahi Hai (lit. 'change is coming'), mobilized people in rallies over public distress on various national issues, the most notable of which was the 2014 Azadi march. In the 2018 general election, it received 16.9 million votes—the largest amount for any political party in Pakistan thus far. It then formed the national government in coalition with five other parties for the first time, with Khan serving as the new Pakistani prime minister. However, in April 2022, a no-confidence motion against Khan removed him and his PTI government from office at the federal level. Currently, the PTI governs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the provincial level and acts as the largest opposition party in Punjab while also having significant representation in Sindh.
Officially, the PTI has stated that its focus is on turning Pakistan into a model welfare state espousing Islamic socialism, and also on dismantling religious discrimination against Pakistani minorities. The PTI terms itself an anti–status quo movement advocating an Islamic democracy centred on egalitarianism. It claims to be the only non-dynastic party of mainstream Pakistani politics in contrast to parties such as the PPP and PML–N. Since 2019, the party has been criticized by political opponents and analysts alike for its failures to address various economic and political issues, particularly the Pakistani economy, which was further weakened in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Khan and the PTI were later praised for leading the country's economic recovery in the pandemic's later stages. During its time in power, the party faced backlash over its crackdown on the Pakistani opposition as well as its regulation of increased censorship through curbs on Pakistani media outlets and freedom of speech.
The party faced challenges following the toppling of Imran Khan's government. On 2 December 2023, Gohar Ali Khan was elected unopposed as the Chairman of PTI. Imran Khan nominated him for the position of the new chairman of PTI. The federal government of Pakistan is currently considering banning the party over accusations of organising violent protests and leaking classified information.
History
 | This section needs to be updated. (March 2024) |
Foundation and Early Years
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was founded by Imran Khan on 25 April 1996 in Lahore. Founded initially as a sociopolitical movement, in June 1996, the first Central Executive Committee of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was formed under the leadership of Imran Khan, including Naeemul Haque, Ahsan Rasheed, Hafeez Khan, Mowahid Hussain, Mahmood Awan, and Nausherwan Burki as founding members. PTI began to grow slowly but did not achieve immediate popularity.
After Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in 2007 and Nawaz Sharif returned from self-exile in Saudi Arabia, pressure increased upon President Musharraf to hold democratic elections. PTI, in conjunction with many political parties, joined the All Parties Democratic Movement, which was opposed to further military rule. The general election in 2008 resulted in a PPP victory. However, PTI boycotted this election in protest against electoral manipulation by Pervez Musharraf. A membership drive in November and December 2008 resulted in 150,000 people joining the party.
In opposition, Pervez Khattak Administration
PTI emerged as a major party in the 2013 Pakistani general election and raised public distress on various issues against the government in the following years. PTI became the opposition party in Punjab and Sindh, with Imran Khan becoming the parliamentary leader of the party. PTI swooped the militancy-hit northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and formed the provincial government. The PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, known as the Pervez Khattak Administration presented a balanced, tax-free budget for the fiscal year 2013–14. In governance, PTI tried to move with religious ulema (clergy) to end discrimination against female education. But the policy of Madrassah reforms, especially funding Darul Uloom Haqqania renowned for its links with Taliban and killers of Benazir Bhutto was criticised by many. The financial accountability introduced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under PTI's government entitled it to an extra Rs 1.5 billion ($150 million) from the federal government. PTI's Chief Minister, Pervez Khattak began infrastructure projects to build dams which aimed to limit flooding and provide small scale electricity in remote areas. Khattak carried out healthcare reforms such as introducing Health Insurance Scheme, Sehat Sahulat Program for poor people and an 'Insulin for life' fund. Khattak also inspected hospitals and dismissed alleged corrupt staff and absent staff, often on the spot. Anti-corruption drives in the police led to the conviction of officers found to be corrupt.
On 13 November 2013, Chairman Imran Khan ordered Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak to dismiss Bakht Baidar and Ibrar Hussan Kamoli of the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) over corruption allegations and to end the PTI's alliance with the party. Baidar, Minister for Manpower and Industry, and Kamoli, Minister for Forest and Environment, were removed, respectively.
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A year after elections, on 11 May 2014, PTI alleged that the 2013 general elections were rigged in favour of the ruling PML (N). On 14 August 2014, Imran Khan led a rally of supporters from Lahore to Islamabad, demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's resignation and investigation into alleged electoral fraud. On its way to the capital, the PTI convoy was attacked by stones from PML (N) supporters in Gujranwala; there were no fatalities. On 15 August, PTI-led protesters entered the capital and a few days later marched into the high-security Red Zone; on 1 September 2014, according to Al Jazeera protesters attempted to storm Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's official residence, which prompted the outbreak of violence. Three people died and more than 595 people were injured, including 115 police officers. Prior to the violence that resulted in deaths, Imran Khan asked his followers to take law into their own hands.
By September 2014, PTI entered into a de facto alliance with Canadian-Pakistani cleric Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri and his Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT); both aimed to mobilise their supporters for regime change. Khan entered into an agreement with the Sharif administration to establish a three-member high-powered judicial commission which would be formed under a presidential ordinance.
In 2017, Chairman Imran Khan and PTI ally Sheikh Rasheed petitioned the Panama Papers Case in the aftermath of the Panama Papers leak, which uncovered links between the Sharif family and eight offshore companies. The Court initially ordered the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to inquire into allegations of money laundering, corruption, and contradictory statements by Sharif and his relations in a 3–2 split decision on 20 April 2017, with the dissenting judges ruling that Sharif be disqualified. After the JIT submitted its report and subsequent arguments were heard, the Court disqualified Sharif from holding public office by unanimous verdict. The case was described as the most publicized in Pakistan's history, as well as a "defining moment" for the country.
Imran Khan Federal Government
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In the 2018 Pakistani general election, PTI launched a countrywide populist and anti-corruption campaign. PTI’s campaign gained confidence after its biggest opponent, Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) fell to major corruption allegations following the Panama Papers Case. PTI won a large plurality across the country becoming the largest party in the National Assembly following its widespread campaign for a ‘Naya Pakistan’ (New Pakistan). PTI also won an even larger majority in Khyber Pakhunkhwa a second time and won the most seats in Punjab to form a government. The party also became the largest opposition party in Sindh and received significant representation in Balochistan. PTI won a total of 116 of the 270 seats contested. Opposition parties, mainly PML-N, alleged major vote rigging and malpractices.
PTI’s taking office saw a break in the PPP and PML-N two-party system. In May 2018, PTI announced a 100-day agenda for a government. The agenda included sweeping reforms in almost all areas of government including creation of a new province in Southern Punjab, fast tracking of merger of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, betterment of law and order situation in Karachi, and betterment of relations with Baloch political leaders. PTI’s governance model was announced as to build Pakistan as a humanitarian state based on principles of the first Islamic state of Medina.
On 6 August 2018, PTI officially nominated Imran Khan as the candidate for prime minister. After the election, PTI formed a wide ranging coalition government of several parties falling at the political centre. Imran Khan and PTI made several key appointments and nominations for national and provincial level public office holders as the winning party. PTI’s cabinet placed top party leadership, Central General Secretary Asad Umar, Hammad Azhar and Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi in top ministries. Mahmood Khan was made Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by PTI. Imran Khan nominated a lesser-known figure, Usman Buzdar for Chief Minister of Punjab, though the appointment attracted criticism for incompetence from many PTI members including Jahangir Tareen and Asad Umar, who strongly opposed the appointment of Buzdar, which rose doubts and tensions in the party.
During the party’s time in the federal government, PTI faced major rifts in the party over its party leadership including in Sindh, between bureaucrats and PTI politicians as well as other political parties. PTI’s provincial and national cabinets faced major reshuffles as PTI core member and Senior Minister of Punjab, Aleem Khan and Punjab Minister Sibtain Khan stepped down from the cabinet after being arrested on corruption charges. Top ministers in the PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet, Atif Khan, Shakeel Ahmad and Shahram Khan Tarakai were also expelled from the cabinet by Imran Khan after going against party directives to oust Chief Minister Mahmood Khan. The largest rift in relations would be with the Pakistan Armed Forces, which PTI’s relations would worsen with in 2022. The PTI federal government faced criticism on certain comments and policies but retained praise for handling the COVID-19 Pandemic in Pakistan, uplifting the economy and reducing financial deficit. An austerity drive and a number of welfare programs were also set up by the PTI government to create a social safety net under the party’s flagship Ehsaas Programme and Sehat Insaf Card. The government was set to finish its term in 2023 but was ousted in a 2022 motion of no confidence.
Second wave of expansion
In the second wave of expansion, the PTI welcomed Parvez Elahi, Moonis Elahi and ten former MPAs of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML(Q)) into the party after political rifts emerged between the President of the PML(Q), Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Parvez Elahi. Elahi was the former president of the Punjab Division of the PML(Q). On 7 March 2023, Parvez Elahi took the charge as the President of PTI, a party position that was previously held by Javed Hashmi. However, as per the constitution of the PTI that was approved on 1 August 2022 by Imran Khan and the party's National Council, the position of President does not exist in the structure of the party.
On 19 March 2023, Ijaz-ul-Haq, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Z) (PML(Z)) along with his party members, joined the PTI after meeting with Imran Khan. The PML(Z) was also merged into the PTI. On 29 May 2023, Ijaz later denied the rumours of PML-Z getting merged into PTI.
May 9 riots and crackdown
On 9 May 2023, after the arrest of Imran Khan, the leader of the PTI, from the Islamabad High Court grounds, nationwide demonstrations by PTI supporters turned into violent riots. PTI workers and members caused incidents of vandalism, looting, and arson, resulting in Rs. 1.98 billion in damages to government and military facilities. Punjab Police, using geo-fencing reports, alleged that Imran Khan and key PTI leaders coordinated efforts to incite attacks on the residence of the Lahore corps commander and other sensitive locations. Police reported over 400 calls made by PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, instructing rioters to target these areas. Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar confirmed the use of geo-fencing to trace these communications, naming Imran Khan as a prime suspect in orchestrating the attacks. Other PTI leaders involved included Hammad Azhar, Yasmin Rashid, Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhary, Mian Aslam Iqbal, and Murad Raas, all of whom were reportedly in contact with the rioters and issued specific instructions for the attacks, while PTI has denied these claims and alleged that government agencies were behind the riots. Furthermore, PTI has alleged that the May 9 riots were a “false flag operation” designed by the Pakistan Armed Forces and The Establishment to destroy and crackdown on the party as well as to arbitrarily arrest party leadership.
In contrast to PTI's claims that government agencies orchestrated the May 9 riots as a "false flag operation," a detailed order from Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Khalid Arshad implicated PTI's founder, Imran Khan, in orchestrating attacks on military installations, government properties, and police officials. The order revealed that Khan had instructed PTI leaders to create chaos and exert pressure for his release if arrested, as testified by two prosecution witnesses. The court order described a meeting held on 7 May 2023, where Khan allegedly directed PTI leaders to prepare for potential unrest on May 9, should he be detained. He purportedly warned through a video message of a scenario akin to Sri Lanka's unrest; if he were to be arrested, encouraging party workers to engage in what he termed a "real jihad for real freedom." The prosecution suggested that Khan orchestrated a criminal conspiracy, rallying top PTI leadership to incite actions that culminated in the attack and arson of the Jinnah House (Corp Commander House, Lahore), aiming to intimidate the government. The Lahore High Court meanwhile stated that Imran Khan had no relation to the May 9 riots and that there is no audio or video evidence available on record to prove that Khan was behind the attacks on state installations on 9 May 2023.
After the riots, a crackdown was initiated by government of Shehbaz Sharif against PTI leaders and workers, with thousands arrested, with rights groups raising concerns regarding arbitrary arrests, custodial torture, and forced disappearances. PTI revealed evidence suggesting that PTI workers and party members were harassed, and unlawfully arrested. PTI leaders were forced to quit party/party positions in televised press conferences. Businesses of PTI leaders who did not quit the party were sealed. Mian Aslam Iqbal alleged that dowry for his daughter's wedding was seized by Punjab Police; and Ali Nawaz Awan alleged that his home was demolished. A crackdown was also initiated on vocal women supporters of PTI - the most prominent of which was Khadija Shah, a businesswoman and granddaughter of former Pakistani Army Chief, Asif Nawaz Janjua. Former Federal Ministers, Shehryar Khan Afridi and Ali Muhammad Khan, former Governor Punjab Omer Sarfraz Cheema, and former Punjab provincial ministers, Yasmin Rashid and Mehmood-ur-Rasheed have been incarcerated since the end of the riots. Even once released by the courts, they were immediately re-arrested in other cases; Khan has been rearrested six times, while Afridi, and Rashid have been rearrested twice. Cheema's wife was arrested as she came to attend her husband's hearing. Afridi was not allowed to attend his brother's funeral and was kept in inhumane conditions in a 'death cell' reserved for those on death row.
Leadership reshuffle
Dozens of PTI leaders resigned after the May 9 protests, including: Faiz Ullah Kamoka, Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain, Aftab Siddiqui, Dost Muhammad Mazari, Hisham Inamullah Khan, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Usman Khan Tarakai, Mahmood Moulvi. and Shireen Mazari.
After Imran Khan’s arrest, the PTI was left without leadership to officially head in the 2024 elections, with most of the leadership such as the chairman Imran Khan and vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi imprisoned. With this, Gohar Ali Khan was elected as chairman, and Omar Ayub Khan was chosen as candidate for Prime minister on behalf of the PTI, although the new leadership was considered a “babysitting arrangement” by some and Imran Khan remained as a symbolic leader for the party. Khan does not hold the position of official chairman due to his current state in the Adiala Prison.
Alliance of independent candidates
On 20 February 2024, PTI announced political alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), in a bid to claim its share of reserved seats in the national, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies. Both the leaders said their alliance with the PTI is "unconditional".
Positions
The PTI's goal is to transform Pakistan into an "Islamic welfare state" that creates an equal society based on Madina state (Riyasat-e-Madinah). PTI plans to develop poverty reduction programmes, promote diverse livelihood options, improve the healthcare system, and improve educational system reforms.
Domestic
The PTI proposed civilian control of Pakistan's military. The Inter-Services Intelligence service would report directly to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and the defence budget would be audited by the government. Imran Khan also pledged to resign should any terrorism take place from Pakistani soil following these reforms. PTI organised a protest against drone attacks in Pakistan on 23 November 2013 at Peshawar, where it called on the federal government to force an end to U.S. CIA drone attacks and to block NATO supplies through the country to Afghanistan. "We will put pressure on America, and our protest will continue if drone attacks are not stopped." The U.S. embassy declined to comment on the protest that also temporarily closed a route leading to one of two border crossings used for the shipments.
The PTI also raised issue of religious tolerance and greater representation for minorities. PTI promised to crack down on police brutality, restructure the civil service, reform the electoral system, allow for a truly independent judiciary, decentralise state power, and enforce laws which extend personal liberty. On 20 February 2013 PTI launched its 'Education Policy' with plans to introduce a uniform education system with one curriculum in three languages for Urdu, English and regional languages for entire Pakistan in primary schools. The PTI advocated the establishment of South Punjab and Gilgit Baltistan as formal provinces of Pakistan.
In the 2018 election, Imran Khan promises to bring a "Naya Pakistan" (new Pakistan). Following its rise to national government in Pakistan, the PTI backed off from certain commitments in its manifesto what was criticised by its opponents as U-turns. Dawn has found that the progress on some promises is still stuck in its initial stages or has been marred with delays.
Foreign policy
The PTI hopes to have a relationship with the US that would be based on "self-dignity and respect" and promised to stop all foreign aid to Pakistan. Imran Khan, the leader of PTI claimed "having relations with US, Russia and China is in Pakistan's interest" and Pakistan's "future is tied up with Russia". The PTI also promised to make Kashmir issue a top priority and would try and solve the issue permanently so that Pakistan no longer has any border or territorial disputes with any of its neighbours.
Organization and structure
Administration
The National Council serves as the governing body of the PTI. Its members include office bearers of provincial organizations, presidents of regional and district organizations, and five members nominated by various sectors such as women, youth, students, labour, farmers, minorities, lawyers, and overseas organizations. Additionally, advisors nominated by the chairman are part of the council. The National Council is responsible for electing central office-bearers.
Intra-party elections
In March 2012, PTI announced plans to conduct US-style intra-party elections, aiming to introduce local caucuses on district levels throughout the country. As part of this process, aspiring candidates would engage in debates and undergo primaries to secure a party ticket for contesting Provincial Assembly or National Assembly seats. The elections commenced in October 2012 and concluded on 23 March 2013, culminating in the election of the National Council after an extensive electoral process involving over four million registered members. With these elections, PTI became the first political party in Pakistan to conduct the largest intra-party election based on the general electoral base. On 2 December 2023, PTI held new intra-party elections, which were invalidated by Election Commission of Pakistan. The party conducted another intra-party election on 3 March 2024.
- Central functions
| Office | Incumbent | Term Began |
|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Gohar Ali Khan | 3 March 2024 |
| Vice Chairman | Shah Mahmood Qureshi | 3 December 2011 |
| President | Parvez Elahi | 7 March 2023 |
| Senior Vice President | Vacant | |
| Senior Vice President | ||
| Senior Vice President | ||
| Senior Vice President | ||
| Secretary General | Salman Akram Raja | 7 September 2024 |
| Deputy Secretary General | Vacant | |
| Deputy Secretary General | ||
| Deputy Secretary General | ||
| Deputy Secretary General | ||
| Central Joint Secretary | ||
| Central Joint Secretary | ||
| Central Joint Secretary | ||
| Central Joint Secretary | ||
| Central Joint Secretary | ||
| Central Joint Secretary | ||
| Central Joint Secretary | ||
| Central Joint Secretary | ||
| Central Information Secretary | Sheikh Waqas Akram | 26 September 2024 |
Most of PTI's central leadership was elected. Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi were elected on 20 March 2013. The Secretary information, Secretary Finance, Secretary Social Media, Secretary Political Training, and Secretary Policy Planning are appointed by the chairman and confirmed by the CEC.
- Provincial Council
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