Karachi(The COW News Digital)Former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has claimed that the current leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is struggling to maintain direction and unity, alleging that internal rivalries and personal interests have replaced any genuine political strategy. Speaking on Geo News’ program Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Ismail said the party’s top tier seems more concerned about internal disputes than the plight of the imprisoned founder of PTI.
“The current PTI leadership has no plan or roadmap. They are busy fighting among themselves instead of focusing on national or party issues,” Ismail remarked. “Even the list of those visiting Adiala Jail has become a source of internal conflict,” he added, suggesting deep divisions within the party ranks.
The former governor revealed that he, along with other senior figures including Fawad Chaudhry, recently met PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi at Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI). “I met Shah Mahmood Qureshi out of respect and affection,” Ismail said, adding that he also met other detained PTI leaders during his visit.
According to Ismail, the jailed PTI leadership—including Qureshi—wants to lower the political temperature and ease tensions with the establishment. “The imprisoned leadership of PTI wishes to bring down the political heat. Shah Mahmood Qureshi also agrees with the need to reduce confrontation,” he explained.
Ismail further stressed that the party must be led by a rational and capable figure, capable of bridging divides and negotiating wisely. “Our agenda is simple: PTI needs leadership that possesses wisdom and balance,” he said.
Praising Qureshi, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, and Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ismail described them as the most suitable leaders within PTI today. He added that these figures could give the most constructive advice to the party’s founder. “If Shah Mahmood Qureshi were a compromised politician, he would have been out of jail by now—and perhaps even the Prime Minister,” Ismail concluded.
His remarks signal a growing sense of realism among PTI’s jailed leaders who, according to Ismail, are willing to de-escalate tensions with Pakistan’s powerful establishment to secure political space and stability for the party’s future.
