PTI Accountability Committee in Disarray Over Probe Into KP Speaker’s Alleged Corruption
PESHAWAR – A rift has emerged within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) internal accountability committee over an investigation into alleged corruption involving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, The News reported.
Key Points of Contention:
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Clash Over Investigation Findings
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Qazi Anwar, a senior lawyer and committee member, cleared Swati of corruption charges, while Brig. (retd) Musaddiq Abbasi disagreed with the conclusion.
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The third member, Shah Farman, has remained silent, deepening the divide.
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Leaked Report Sparks Outrage
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Anwar shared the confidential report with Salman Akram Raja, a senior lawyer outside the committee, without consulting other members.
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This violated the committee’s SOPs, which mandate that findings be submitted only to PTI founder Imran Khan.
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Anwar admitted the breach but defended his actions, saying Raja had requested the report.
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Questions Over Committee’s Credibility
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The leak has raised concerns about the committee’s transparency and discipline.
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Some members view Anwar’s move as undermining internal accountability mechanisms.
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Why This Matters:
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The internal discord threatens to weaken PTI’s anti-corruption image ahead of critical political battles.
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If the committee fails to present a unified stance, it could fuel perceptions of factionalism within the party.
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The controversy may also embolden PTI’s opponents, who could use the infighting to question the party’s governance claims in KP.
What’s Next?
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Will Imran Khan intervene to resolve the dispute?
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How will Babar Saleem Swati respond to the conflicting findings?
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Could this lead to a restructuring of PTI’s accountability process?
The Bottom Line:
PTI’s internal accountability system is facing its biggest test yet, with the committee’s credibility on the line. The party must address the rift swiftly—or risk damaging its anti-graft narrative at a time when unity is crucial.
