Imran Khan Message: Stick Firmly to Ideology, Raja Says

The Imran Khan message to his party leaders is to stick firmly to the PTI ideology and not bow, party Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said on Thursday.

Raja was speaking on Geo News programme Capital Talk. He said he had held several detailed conversations with Barrister Salman Safdar after Safdar met Imran in Adiala Jail on Wednesday.

“Imran Khan’s fundamental message was to stick firmly to the ideology,” Raja said. “I have also been directed to stick to [our] ideology,” he added, noting that Imran’s “fundamental message is not to bow”.

Imran Khan message: backing for opposition leaders

Imran also repeated his support for National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, both of whom he picked for their roles. Raja quoted Imran as saying the two men were not people who would “bow down or be sold”, and that he had nominated them after deep contemplation.

“Imran Khan sahib’s directives will be acted upon,” Raja said.

Imran also gave instructions on the formation of new provinces during his meetings with Safdar, including one on November 2. “Imran Khan is not ready to step back from his ideology of democracy and public welfare. The rule of the people is the foremost priority of Imran Khan,” Raja said.

On a possible 28th constitutional amendment, Raja said he would put the matter before the party leadership first. He said the directions related to standing with democratic principles and the rights of small provinces, adding that Imran had always supported the creation of new administrative units. He noted concerns about the “context” behind the formation of new units and stressed the importance of public opinion.

The jail meeting that carried the message

The message reached Raja after the Islamabad High Court ordered jail authorities to facilitate meetings for legal consultation. Safdar and Advocate Latif Khosa were then able to meet Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, at Adiala Jail on Wednesday.

Both lawyers said the meeting lasted at least three hours and focused mainly on the couple’s legal and health issues. They did not share further details. The government often objects to lawyers using such meetings to make political statements.

Raja said Imran considered concerns about his well-being unnecessary, but the party was worried because his blood pressure was not stable. He said Imran had reported that his blood pressure reached 193 on Saturday.

Asked whether the message could be seen as political and harm future jail meetings, Raja said only a handful of matters were discussed, and everything was monitored and recorded through microphones. He noted that Khosa, who is also an MNA, had made several statements after the meeting, which had compelled Safdar to clarify matters.

Uzma Khan has also moved the courts over Imran’s hospital treatment, while Imran’s sisters Uzma and Noreen were released from Kot Lakhpat Jail on Thursday after their detention orders were withdrawn.

What happens next

Raja said Imran had given him instructions on standing with the party’s principles and reorganising the PTI. He acknowledged that a small faction in the party was unhappy with him, but said Imran’s directives to him were different.

“Imran Khan’s message for me is to create space while upholding the principles and move forward,” Raja said.

The Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, denied that the lawyers’ meeting was linked to the proposed 28th Amendment, calling it a simple legal consultation.

The debate over new provinces has dominated politics this week, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi suggesting a referendum on the issue. A PTI lawmaker has also asked the Federal Constitutional Court to order the release of Sohail Afridi and other party workers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Imran Khan’s message to PTI leaders?

Imran told party leaders to stick firmly to the party’s ideology and not bow, according to PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja.

How did the message reach the party?

Barrister Salman Safdar conveyed it to Raja after meeting Imran and Bushra Bibi in Adiala Jail on Wednesday, following an Islamabad High Court order.

How long did the jail meeting last?

The meeting lasted at least three hours and focused on the couple’s legal and health issues.

What did Imran say about his health?

Raja said Imran considered concerns about his health unnecessary, but the party is worried because his blood pressure is not stable. Imran reported it reached 193 on Saturday.

What did Imran say about new provinces?

Raja said Imran gave instructions on new provinces and has always backed new administrative units, but stressed public opinion.