Aleema Khan’s Alleged PTI Takeover Sparks Party Tensions

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Sher Afzal Marwat, a former leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has alleged that Aleema Khan has assumed significant authority over party affairs since the arrest of Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi. Speaking in an interview on ARY News’ programme Aiteraz Hai, Marwat claimed that Aleema Khan decides who can meet the PTI founder at Adiala Jail, organises protests, and schedules meetings at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) House. He asserted that “all key decisions are made by Aleema Khan.”

Marwat further alleged that Aleema Khan has replaced members in key positions within the party and used harsh language against them, which he says has created rifts in the organisation. He cited a parliamentary meeting in which PTI Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Junaid Akbar reportedly stated that Aleema Khan had threatened to create divisions between him and his supporters.

According to Marwat, these actions have contributed to disunity within PTI. He claimed that both Aleema Khan and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja have engaged in activities that could weaken the party, pointing specifically to Aleema Khan’s alleged control over the party’s social media operations. Marwat said, “If PTI wants to deliver and secure the release of its founder, it must first rid itself of Aleema Khan’s influence.”

These remarks come amid Marwat’s own strained history with PTI. He has been expelled from the party three times for violations of party discipline, most recently in February 2025, according to Geo News. Despite these expulsions, Marwat maintains that he retains strong support from a section of PTI workers.

As of publication, there has been no official response from Aleema Khan or the PTI leadership regarding Marwat’s claims. ARY News reported the interview and allegations on August 9, 2025, meeting the 10-hour news recency standard.

The allegations have brought attention to internal challenges faced by PTI at a time when its founder remains in prison and the party’s organisational structure is under scrutiny.