ISLAMABAD: PTI have indicated that the party leadership has received a firm message: there will be no more acceptance of campaigns or comments that insult or criticize the Pakistan Army and its senior officials.
An insider revealed, “We have been told that the situation has reached a point where ‘enough is enough,’ and PTI leaders are fully aware of the gravity of this warning.” The message highlights that, despite over three years of criticism aimed at the military leadership, the current stance is that attacks on the institution or its top brass will no longer be tolerated, with the tone having become much more firm.
The recent controversy surrounding a meeting between Uzma Khanam, her incarcerated brother, and PTI founder Imran Khan has added pressure. Some federal ministers and key parliamentary figures involved in arranging the meeting reportedly felt uncomfortable after remarks made by Imran’s sister post-meeting.
This incident has caused disappointment among senior PTI members, who, although not publicly commenting, are urging Imran’s family members to exercise restraint and avoid making provocative statements. They emphasize that such remarks undermine the party’s efforts to regain political space and open channels for dialogue.
Additionally, internal sources have questioned who is responsible for PTI’s social media content, especially posts under Imran Khan’s X (formerly Twitter) account, and how these messages are approved and disseminated.A senior party source reaffirmed, “There will be zero tolerance for any criticism or attacks on the army and its leadership moving forward,” making it clear that this stance has been communicated directly to the party leadership.Within PTI’s parliamentary circle, many members believe that dialogue remains the best way forward for political stability. Nonetheless, they recognize that Imran Khan’s inflammatory statements and the party’s social media narrative have become significant obstacles to progress.
One MP commented, “Just like the events of May 9, there is no longer any room for leniency in campaigns targeting the military. Even if Imran Khan loses his temper, his family members particularly his sisters must refrain from echoing such sentiments publicly. It only damages the party’s image and hampers efforts for political relief,” he added.
