PTI, the political party that rose to power with promises of reform, transparency and justice, now finds itself embroiled in internal conflicts and a crisis of leadership. The internal discord within PTI can be traced back to the aftermath of the 2018 general election. While PTI’s victory was significant, it also marked the beginning of a power struggle among its ranks. The party, which had primarily been driven by Imran Khan’s charisma and anti-corruption stance, began to show signs of internal fractures as it transitioned from opposition to governance.
Several senior leaders, who had played pivotal roles in the party’s rise, began to feel sidelined as newer members, often with more technocratic backgrounds, were brought into key positions. This led to a sense of disenchantment among the original stalwarts who felt their contributions were being undervalued.
One prominent example was the tension between Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Jahangir Tareen. Both leaders had substantial influence within the party but often found themselves at odds. Qureshi, with his extensive political experience, and Tareen, known for his financial acumen and close relationship with Khan, represented different factions within PTI. Their rivalry not only caused internal divisions but also played out publicly, undermining the party’s image of unity.
Beyond personal rivalries, PTI also grappled with significant policy differences. The party’s economic policies, in particular, were a major point of contention. Some members advocated for more populist measures to address immediate public grievances, while others pushed for long-term structural reforms, even if they were unpopular in the short term. This divide was evident during the 2019 mini-budget, which saw disagreements over tax policies and public spending.
PTI’s transition from a protest movement to a governing party had not been smooth. The challenges of governance exposed the lack of experience among some of its leaders. This led to frequent changes in key positions, such as the finance ministry, further exacerbating the sense of instability within the party. The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted these governance issues. The party was criticized for the lack of a consistent strategy and mixed messaging from different factions within the party. This inconsistency fuelled public disillusionment.
Another key factor in PTI’s internal crisis was an ideological rift. The party’s diverse ideological makeup, ranging from conservatives to progressives, initially a strength, became a source of tension. Debates on women’s rights, media freedom and religion in governance revealed deep-seated divisions. Progressive members pushed for reforms, while others resisted, fearing alienation of the conservative base. This tug-of-war made it difficult for PTI to take clear, decisive stances on critical issues.
The internal rifts within PTI had a direct impact on its ability to govern effectively. The lack of unity and clear direction led to policy paralysis in several areas. This was particularly evident in economic management, where conflicting approaches resulted in inconsistent policies and undermined investor confidence. Moreover, the internal discord also affected PTI’s ability to deliver on its key promises of anti-corruption and institutional reform. Infighting and power struggles diverted attention and resources away from these critical agendas, leading to slow progress and growing public frustration.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Rawalpindi.
