Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI;, lit. 'Pakistan Movement for Justice') is a political party in Pakistan established in 1996 by Pakistani cricketer and politician Imran Khan, who served as the country's prime minister from 2018 to 2022. The PTI ranks among the three major Pakistani political parties alongside the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML–N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), and it is the largest party in terms of representation in the National Assembly of Pakistan since the 2018 general election. With over 10 million members in Pakistan and abroad, it claims to be the country's largest political party by primary membership, as well as one of the largest political parties in the world.

Despite Khan's popular persona in Pakistan, the PTI had limited initial success: it failed to win, as a collective, a single seat in the 1997 general election and the 2002 general election; only Khan himself was able to win a seat. From 1999 to 2007, the PTI supported the military presidency of Pervez Musharraf. It rose in opposition to Musharraf in 2007 and also boycotted the 2008 general election, accusing it of having been conducted with fraudulent procedures under Musharraf's rule. The global popularity of the "Third Way" during the Musharraf era led to the rise of a new Pakistani political bloc focused on centrism, deviating from the traditional dominance of the centre-left PPP and the centre-right PML–N. When the PML–Q began to decline in the aftermath of Musharraf's presidency, much of its centrist voter bank was lost to the PTI. Around the same time, the PPP's popularity began to decrease after the disqualification of Yousaf Raza Gillani in 2012. Similarly, the PTI appealed to many former PPP voters, particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, due to its outlook on populism.

In the 2013 general election, the PTI emerged as a major party with over 7.5 million votes, ranking second by number of votes and third by number of seats won. At the provincial level, it was voted to power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During its time in opposition, the PTI, with the help of popular slogans such as (lit. 'change is coming'), mobilized people in rallies over public distress on various national issues, the most notable of which was the 2014 Azadi march. In the 2018 general election, it received 16.9 million votes—the largest amount for any political party in Pakistan thus far. It then formed the national government in coalition with five other parties for the first time, with Khan serving as the new Pakistani prime minister. However, in April 2022, a no-confidence motion against Khan removed him and his PTI government from office at the federal level. Currently, the PTI governs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab at the provincial level and acts as the largest opposition party in Sindh, while also having significant representation in Balochistan.

Officially, the PTI has stated that its focus is on turning Pakistan into a model welfare state espousing Islamic socialism, and also on dismantling religious discrimination against Pakistani minorities. The PTI terms itself an anti– movement advocating an Islamic democracy centred on egalitarianism. It claims to be the only non-dynastic party of mainstream Pakistani politics in contrast to parties such as the PPP and PML–N. Since 2019, the party has been criticized by political opponents and analysts alike for its failures to address various economic and political issues, particularly the Pakistani economy, which was further weakened in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Khan and the PTI were later praised for leading the country's economic recovery in the pandemic's later stages. During its time in power, the party faced backlash over its crackdown on the Pakistani opposition as well as its regulation of increased censorship through curbs on Pakistani media outlets and freedom of speech.

On 2 December 2023, Gohar Ali Khan was elected unopposed as the Chairman of PTI. Imran Khan personally selected him as the nominee for the position of the new chairman of PTI. The federal government of Pakistan is currently considering banning the party over accusations of organising violent protests and leaking classified information.

Foundation
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was founded by Imran Khan on 25 April 1996 in Lahore. Founded initially as a sociopolitical movement, in June 1996, the first Central Executive Committee of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was formed under the leadership of Imran Khan, including Naeemul Haque, Ahsan Rasheed, Hafeez Khan, Mowahid Hussain, Mahmood Awan, and Nausherwan Burki as founding members. PTI began to grow slowly but did not achieve immediate popularity.

In October 2002, Khan ran for office in the National Elections and became a member of parliament (MP) for Mianwali, his hometown. Khan, however, remained deeply critical of the entire political order of Pakistan, which he deemed corrupt, inefficient, and morally bereft of any of the founding principles of Pakistan. In protest, Khan began a grassroots campaign to raise awareness about his political party.

After Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in 2007 and Nawaz Sharif returned from self-exile in Saudi Arabia, pressure increased upon President Musharraf to hold democratic elections. PTI, in conjunction with many political parties, joined the All Parties Democratic Movement, which was opposed to further military rule. The general election in 2008 resulted in a PPP victory. However, PTI boycotted this election. A membership drive in November and December 2008 resulted in 150,000 people joining the party.

PTI emerged as a major party in the 2013 Pakistani general election. Public distress on various issues against the government in the following years, led PTI to emerge as the single largest political party in the 2018 Pakistani general election and the subsequent formation of a coalition government.

Second wave of expansion
In the second wave of expansion, the PTI welcomed Pervaiz Elahi, Moonis Elahi and ten former MPAs of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML(Q)) into the party after political rifts emerged between the President of the PML(Q), Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Pervaiz Elahi. Elahi was the former president of the Punjab Division of the PML(Q). On 7 March 2023, Pervaiz Elahi took the charge as the President of PTI, a party position that was previously held by Javed Hashmi. However, as per the constitution of the PTI that was approved on 1 August 2022 by Imran Khan and the party's National Council, the position of President doesn't exist in the structure of the party.

On 19 March 2023, Ijaz-ul-Haq, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Z) (PML(Z)) along with his party members, joined the PTI after meeting with Imran Khan. The PML(Z) was also merged into the PTI. On 29 May 2023, Ijaz later denied the rumours of PML-Z getting merged into PTI.

Alleged Crackdown on PTI
After the 9th May riots, the PTI revealed evidence suggesting that PTI workers and party members were harassed, and unlawfully arrested, as well as that the government of Shehbaz Sharif had been cracking down on PTI and its leadership. Shehbaz Sharif’s defense minister, Khawaja Asif, the government and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) dismissed these allegations, while the PTI reinstated them, resulting in a political conundrum.

Leadership reshuffle
Against the backdrop of the 2023 Pakistani protests, many politicians left the PTI and formed two new minor parties. Most deserters from Punjab and a few from Karachi formed the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) under the leadership of Jahangir Tareen. On the other hand, most deserters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa formed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P) under the leadership of Pervez Khattak, the former Minister of Defence and Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Both of these new parties can be characterized by their pro-establishment politics.

Dozens of PTI leaders resigned after the May 9 protests, including: Faiz Ullah Kamoka, Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain, Aftab Siddiqui, Dost Muhammad Mazari, Hisham Inamullah Khan, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Usman Khan Tarakai, Mahmood Moulvi. and Shireen Mazari.

After Imran Khan’s arrest, the PTI was left without leadership to officially head in the 2024 elections, with most of the leadership such as the chairman Imran Khan and vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi imprisoned. With this, Gohar Ali Khan was elected as chairman, and Omar Ayub Khan was chosen as candidate for Prime minister on behalf of the PTI, although the new leadership was considered a “babysitting arrangement” by some and Imran Khan remained as a symbolic leader for the party. Khan does not hold the position of official chairman due to his current state in the Adiala Prison.

Alliance of independent candidates
On 20 February 2024, PTI announced political alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), in a bid to claim its share of reserved seats in the national, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies. Both the leaders said their alliance with the PTI is "unconditional".

Positions
The PTI's goal is to transform Pakistan into an "Islamic welfare state" that creates an equal society based on Madina state (Riyasat-e-Madinah). PTI plans to develop poverty reduction programmes, promote diverse livelihood options, improve the healthcare system, and improve educational system reforms.

Domestic
The PTI proposed civilian control of Pakistan's military. The Inter-Services Intelligence service would report directly to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and the defence budget would be audited by the government. Imran Khan also pledged to resign should any terrorism take place from Pakistani soil following these reforms. PTI organised a protest against drone attacks in Pakistan on 23 November 2013 at Peshawar, where it called on the federal government to force an end to U.S. CIA drone attacks and to block NATO supplies through the country to Afghanistan. "We will put pressure on America, and our protest will continue if drone attacks are not stopped." The U.S. embassy declined to comment on the protest that also temporarily closed a route leading to one of two border crossings used for the shipments.

The PTI also raised issue of religious tolerance and greater representation for minorities. PTI promised to crack down on police brutality, restructure the civil service, reform the electoral system, allow for a truly independent judiciary, decentralise state power, and enforce laws which extend personal liberty. On 20 February 2013 PTI launched its 'Education Policy' with plans to introduce a uniform education system with one curriculum in three languages for Urdu, English and regional languages for entire Pakistan in primary schools. The PTI advocated the establishment of South Punjab and Gilgit Baltistan as formal provinces of Pakistan.

In the 2018 election, Imran Khan promises to bring a "Naya Pakistan" (new Pakistan). Following its rise to national government in Pakistan, the PTI backed off from certain commitments in its manifesto what was criticised by its opponents as U-turns. Dawn has found that the progress on some promises is still stuck in its initial stages or has been marred with delays.

Foreign policy
The PTI hopes to have a relationship with the US that would be based on "self-dignity and respect" and promised to stop all foreign aid to Pakistan. Imran Khan, the leader of PTI claimed "having relations with US, Russia and China is in Pakistan's interest" and Pakistan's "future is tied up with Russia". The PTI also promised to make Kashmir issue a top priority and would try and solve the issue permanently so that Pakistan no longer has any border or territorial disputes with any of its neighbours.

Administration
The National Council serves as the governing body of the PTI. Its members include office bearers of provincial organizations, presidents of regional and district organizations, and five members nominated by various sectors such as women, youth, students, labour, farmers, minorities, lawyers, and overseas organizations. Additionally, advisors nominated by the chairman are part of the council. The National Council is responsible for electing central office-bearers.

Intra-party elections
In March 2012, PTI announced plans to conduct US-style intra-party elections, aiming to introduce local caucuses on district levels throughout the country. As part of this process, aspiring candidates would engage in debates and undergo primaries to secure a party ticket for contesting Provincial Assembly or National Assembly seats. The elections commenced in October 2012 and concluded on 23 March 2013, culminating in the election of the National Council after an extensive electoral process involving over four million registered members. With these elections, PTI became the first political party in Pakistan to conduct the largest intra-party election based on the general electoral base. On 2 December 2023, PTI held new intra-party elections, which were invalidated by Election Commission of Pakistan. The party conducted another intra-party election on 3 March 2024.


 * Central functions

Most of PTI's central leadership was elected. Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi were elected on 20 March 2013. The Secretary information, Secretary Finance, Secretary Social Media, Secretary Political Training, and Secretary Policy Planning are appointed by the chairman and confirmed by the CEC.


 * Provincial Council

Party wings
In June 2014, a Central Tarbiyati Council was established, which is responsible for training party activists on ideology, election campaigns, and other organizational matters.
 * Central Tarbiyati Council (CTC)


 * PTI Women Wing

The Insaf Student Federation (ISF) serves as the official student wing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
 * Insaf Student Federation (ISF)

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf established its youth wing aimed at addressing the concerns and challenges faced by individuals under the age of 40.
 * Insaf Youth Wing

On 18 March 2013, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced a policy for persons with disabilities (PWD) to raise awareness about the integration of persons with disabilities into society and work towards preventing certain avoidable disabilities through early diagnosis and medical treatment, after which the KPK government led by PTI approved a budget of over Rs 59 Million initially to provide rehabilitation services to handicapped people at local hospitals near their areas.
 * People with disabilities

Insaf Research Wing (IRW) was established to conduct research aimed at finding solutions to issues in Pakistan. IRW was founded in 2009 for addressing issues within its area of expertise, covering socio-political, information technology, economics, energy, healthcare, corruption, foreign affairs, education, and environment sectors. It consists of nine committees.
 * Insaf Research Wing

The IRW has since been replaced by the Insaf Research Team.

Electoral performance


Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf contested the general elections of 1997, 2002, 2013, and 2018. It boycotted the 2008 general elections.

1997 and 2002 general elections
Less than a year after its establishment, PTI participated in the 1997 general elections. Imran Khan stood in seven constituencies across Pakistan but did not secure a majority in any.

During the 2002 general elections, party chairman Imran Khan won one seat from Mianwali. PTI garnered 0.8% of the popular vote.

2008 general elections
PTI openly boycotted the Pakistani general election on 18 February 2008 because it believed that the election was fraudulent and fraught with irregularities.

2013 general elections
On 21 April 2013, Khan, the chairman of PTI, launched his campaign for the 2013 elections from Lahore, where he addressed supporters at The Mall, Lahore followed by prayers at the Data Durbar Complex. This was followed by large rallies in Karak and Dera Ismail Khan. He also announced that he would pull Pakistan out of the US-led war on terror and bring peace in the Pashtun tribal belt. On 22 April 2013, Khan addressed different public meetings in Malakand, Lower Dir District and Upper Dir District, where he announced that PTI would introduce a uniform education system in which the children of rich and poor would have equal opportunities.

On the same day, he spoke at a rally in Rawalpindi's Constituency NA-56, accompanied by Shaikh Rasheed Ahmad. On 23 April 2013, Khan addressed large rallies in Renala Khurd, Okara, and other parts of Sahiwal Division. He challenged PML-N President Nawaz Sharif to a live debate, a challenge which PML-N was quick to decline. On 24 April, Khan addressed rallies in Nankana Sahib District, Sheikhupura, and Pattoki, where he announced that once in power, no parliamentarian would receive development funds as they are misused for achieving political gains.

On 25 April 2013, Khan addressed political gatherings in South Punjab, including in Pakpattan, Lodhran, and Vehari. On the following day, Khan continued his mass campaign in South Punjab. He addressed rallies at Jalalpur Pirwala, Muzaffargarh, Mian Channu, Kabirwala, and Khanewal. He promised to end the system of tyranny and announced that once in power, he would enact laws allowing every village or town to elect its own Station House Officer, believing it would prevent corruption and police brutality. He also promised to eliminate the post of Patwari and establish a computerised and professional land record system.

Khan concluded his South Punjab campaign by addressing rallies at Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Rajanpur on 27 April. During the campaign, he collectively visited over 25 towns and cities, addressing dozens of rallies and corner meetings. He promised to hold accountable the killers behind the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and stated that the local government system is important for the prosperity of Pakistan. On 28 April, Khan moved to central Punjab where he addressed large rallies in Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, and Sargodha, promising to bring justice and equality to Pakistan.

On 29 April 2013, Khan addressed rallies at Murree, Talagang, Chakwal, Taxila, and Attock. On 30 April, Khan visited his hometown of Mianwali, where he addressed several rallies, criticizing the Bhuttos and Sharifs. He stated, 'You can't lead a revolution from behind bulletproof glass,' and claimed that he had conquered the fear of dying 17 years ago. On 1 and 2 March, Khan addressed gatherings in Sibi, Loralai, Zafarwal, Pasrur, Narowal, Jacobabad, and also led a car rally in Rawalpindi. On 3 May, Khan continued his campaign at Battagram, Mansehra, Torghar District, Abbottabad, and Haripur, followed by rallies at Buner District, Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, and Peshawar on 4th, promising to abandon the war on terror.

2013 general election results
Pakistan's 2013 elections took place on 11 May 2013 across the country. The elections resulted in a clear majority for the Pakistan Muslim League (N), a strong rival of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, although PTI managed to surpass the Pakistan Peoples Party as the main opposition to PML-N's candidates in the Punjab Province. PTI's popularity propelled 20 representatives to the Punjab Assembly. PTI also emerged as the second-largest party in Karachi.

According to unofficial results announced by Pakistani media and the Election Commission of Pakistan, Imran Khan, Chairman of PTI, won three of the four constituencies he contested, securing victories in Constituency NA-1, Constituency NA-56, and Constituency NA-71. PTI won 31 directly elected parliamentary seats, marking a significant increase from the 2002 elections. Nationally, PTI became the third-largest party and the largest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the second-largest in Punjab. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTI defeated all mainstream political parties across the province with mostly new candidates. It secured every seat in Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan district. It is anticipated that PTI will lead a coalition government in the province. However, PTI failed to secure a majority in Punjab and made limited gains in Sindh or Baluchistan. PTI obtained 34 out of 99 seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
According to available polling data, PTI demonstrated significant strength in Central and Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but faced challenges from Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamiat Ulema (F) in Northern Pakhtunkhwa.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa proper, PTI failed to secure more than 5% of the polled vote in only one constituency, NA-22 Battagram. The party also encountered difficulties in FATA, which borders the Pakhtunkhwa province. In this region, PTI won only one constituency, NA-47, out of 12, while failing to secure more than 5% of the vote in 3 constituencies: NA-36, NA-37, and NA-41.

Punjab
In Punjab, PTI performed most strongly in the North and the South, securing its largest share of seats from these regions. It garnered more than 5% of the vote in all constituencies of Northern Punjab. In Southern Punjab, its support was primarily concentrated in Multan and surrounding districts such as Khanewal, Vehari, and Pakpattan. However, its performance was less impressive in Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalnagar, and Muzaffargarh.

PTI's presence in Central Punjab was marked by gains in districts like Mianwali, Lahore, Sahiwal, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, and Faisalabad. Mianwali district, home to PTI's leader, Imran Khan, saw particularly high support for PTI, with an average of 59.85% of votes polled in favour of the party across its two constituencies. Conversely, PTI performed poorly in districts such as Jhang and Sargodha. In Sargodha, it failed to secure more than 5% of the vote in 3 out of 5 constituencies, while in Jhang, the party did not field candidates in 3 out of 6 constituencies and received more than 5% of the vote in only one constituency, NA-86. Other districts with weak showings for PTI in Central Punjab include Hafizabad, Bhakkar, and Gujranwala.

Sindh
Apart from Karachi, Sindh was largely overlooked by PTI during much of its election campaign, and this is reflected in the results. The party failed to field candidates in 19 out of Interior Sindh's 40 constituencies. Where it did field candidates, it struggled to surpass the 5% vote benchmark in 18 constituencies. In most of these constituencies, the number of votes received was in the hundreds. PTI's only significant showing in interior Sindh was in the constituencies of NA-228 Umerkot and NA-230 Tharparkar, where the party's vice president, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, has a considerable following through his spiritual Ghousia Jamaat.

In Karachi, PTI secured an average of 20.37% across 18 of the 20 constituencies it participated in. The constituency NA-250 of Karachi recorded the highest percentage of votes polled in favour of PTI at 61.38%.

Balochistan
In Balochistan, the situation mirrored that of interior Sindh. PTI failed to field candidates in 4 out of the province's 13 constituencies. Furthermore, it did not receive more than 5% of the vote in 7 of the remaining 9. In most of these cases, the number of votes was in the mere hundreds. It performed relatively well in NA-259 of Quetta proper and NA-265 Sibi, where the party garnered 14.83% and 6.99% of the vote respectively.

2018 general elections
Pakistan's 2018 elections took place on 25 July 2018 nationwide. The elections saw Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secure a clear majority in the National Assembly with 116 seats won. Adding 28 women and 5 Minority seats, the total tally reached 149. PTI garnered 0.16 million votes, constituting 31.82% of the total cast votes, thereby forming a government at the centre in alliance with MQM-P, PML (Q), BAP, BNP-M, GDA, AML, and JWP. Additionally, PTI secured government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 78 seats, Punjab with 175 seats, and formed an alliance government in Balochistan. Following the elections, Imran Khan was elected as Prime Minister, receiving 176 votes against Shehbaz Sharif's 96 votes. PTI also succeeded in electing its Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser and Qasim Suri respectively. On 4 September 2018, Arif Alvi was elected as the 13th President of Pakistan. PTI nominated Usman Ahmad Khan Buzdar as Chief Minister of Punjab, Mahmood Khan as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Jam Kamal Khan as Chief Minister of Balochistan. The party also appointed governors: Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar as Governor of Punjab, Imran Ismail as Governor of Sindh, and Shah Farman as Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Prime Minister Imran Khan formed his cabinet, with key positions like Minister of Finance entrusted to Asad Umar and Minister of Foreign Affairs to Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTI formed a governing coalition with the Jamaat-e-Islami and Qaumi Watan parties. On 13 May 2013, Parvez Khattak was appointed as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Development Advisory Committee includes Asad Umar, Jehangir Khan Tareen, Ali Asghar Khan, Khalid Mehsud, and Rustam Shah Mohmand. There are 15 ministers selected from the coalition government to form the cabinet for Chief Minister Parvez Khattak.

Foreign funding case
Imran Khan was arrested due to the case, and Pakistani court rejects petition by PTI.

Protests and civil disobedience
PTI launched its first dharna on 14 August 2014. The party was involved in laying siege and paralyzing the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, to stop the Government from functioning. PTI was charged with targeting Pakistan Television and parliament, as well as law enforcement. The party founder, Imran Khan, burned his utility bills to encourage participants to join his protest against rising electricity prices.

Justice Wajihuddin tribunal
PTI's former leader and head of the party's election tribunal investigated corruption and fraud, as well as internal election rigging within PTI. His tribunal expelled Secretary-General Jahangir Tareen, PTI's KPK Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, and senior leader Nadir Laghari for manipulating intra-party polls. It also reported fraud in party funds. Later, Wajihuddin was expelled from the party by Imran Khan.

Attacks on journalists and harassment of women by alleged PTI supporters
PTI supporters have been reported to have attacked media personnel during their protest demonstrations. Several female journalists have reported harassment by party workers. The harassment of women has also been reported at PTI's gatherings.

During PTI's public protests, Geo News DSNGs had to remove their stickers to escape vandalism by party workers. PTI workers also attacked the Geo News Islamabad office.

Allegations of conspiracy to dissolve government using judiciary
PTI's former president, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, has alleged that Imran Khan was conspiring with the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Nasirul Mulk. to dissolve the government of Nawaz Sharif.

Accusation of anti-state violence
Following the arrest of Imran Khan on 9 May 2023, the supporters and workers of PTI allegedly targeted Pakistan Army's installations. The protesters broke into the regional commander's house in Lahore and burned the building. They also attempted to enter GHQ's gate in Rawalpindi. In Peshawar, the building of Radio Pakistan was set on fire by the protesters, who also shouted slogans against the army and military officials. However, Imran Khan and his party denied their involvement in the violence and accused secret agencies of framing the party for anti-army violence.

Reportedly, thousands of PTI workers have been arrested due to their alleged involvement in violent attacks on government institutions across the country after 9 May.

In response to the attacks, the Pakistan Army called 9 May a dark chapter in the country's history and claimed that PTI "has done what enemies could not do in 75 years." Meanwhile, PTI alleges that the incidents of 9 May were a false flag operation designed by the Pakistani establishment to disintegrate PTI and frame Imran Khan.