PTI Faces Dual Setback as Salman Akram Raja Resigns, Hammad Azhar Steps Back from NA-129 Race
Lahore – August 25, 2025
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) witnessed another internal jolt on Monday as Secretary General Salman Akram Raja announced his resignation, while senior party leader Hammad Azhar withdrew from the upcoming by-election in NA-129 Lahore.
PTI general secretary Salman Akram Raja
Raja, in a post on X, revealed that recent events had forced him to part ways with his position. He stated, “My life is an open book. None of my actions conflict with my principles. I cannot compromise on intellectual or economic integrity. Tomorrow, I will officially submit my resignation to Imran Khan.”
The lawyer-turned-politician highlighted his consistent role in fighting major legal cases, including those related to Tyrian, Iddat, cipher leaks, military courts, and reserved seats disputes. He explained that he had earlier requested Imran Khan, through Advocate Ali Bukhari, to relieve him of administrative duties so he could focus on legal matters, but the request was declined.
Meanwhile, in another major blow, Hammad Azhar announced his withdrawal from the NA-129 by-election, a seat that fell vacant after the death of his father, veteran politician Mian Azhar. Instead, Hammad nominated his cousin, Chaudhry Arsalan Zaheer, as the candidate from the family. Zaheer, who has been politically active during PTI’s tenure as head of Lahore’s fruit and vegetable market committee, is seen as a safer choice as he faces no pending legal cases linked to the May 9 unrest.
Hammad explained his decision by citing personal constraints and legal challenges that hinder his ability to run an active campaign or serve effectively in parliament. His sister will lead campaign operations for Zaheer.
Party insiders confirmed that the leadership gave Azhar the authority to decide on the candidate. His withdrawal reflects PTI’s ongoing struggle to balance political participation with the heavy legal burdens its leaders are facing.
The twin announcements underline the leadership crisis within PTI, as the party continues to battle legal pressures, inconsistent by-election strategies, and internal divisions, all while founder Imran Khan remains imprisoned.