Imran Khan's party suffering intra-party woes over lobbying, bribery

Karachi, Aug. 13 (ANI): Certain members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which is slowly gaining acceptance as a powerful political force, feel that underhanded lobbying by key members, growing internal rifts and disorganisation are increasing in the party.

The Express Tribune quoted PTI members, as saying that the most apparent example of growing dissent within the party, were acts of lobbying and bribery for votes in the intra-party elections by various key members in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh.

The members added that PTI chief Imran Khan has been unable to curb either of the two problems.

PTI Information Secretary for Sindh, Tarik Ikram, was the most recent member to have been removed from his position for attempting to form his own lobby, sources said.

Previously, Dr. Hassan Raza, PTI Joint Secretary for Sindh was not only removed from his post, but also expelled from the party over allegations of corruption in allocation of relief goods that were meant for donation to flood affected areas.

Meanwhile, PTI Information Secretary, Shafqat Mehmood, dismissed the allegations of underhanded lobbying.

"The PTI is going to have real elections, in which every member will vote, therefore the contesting candidates are obviously trying to make connections," he said. (ANI)