ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, has refuted claims of any dispute with senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja, affirming that he remains the party's legal representative and is considered "like family."
Addressing the media, Aleema rejected speculation of tensions. "There has been no argument or harsh exchange with Salman Akram Raja. He is our lawyer and like family. Perhaps it's a personal matter for him," she said.
On the question of upcoming by-elections, Aleema noted that discussions were ongoing but underlined that the final decision rests with the PTI leadership. Commenting on the ongoing crackdown against PTI workers, she criticized the arrests, saying, "These arrests won't change anything. I don't understand why children are being picked up. I've even said they can arrest me too."
Separately, PTI leader Uzma Khan reiterated that the party founder had directed members not to contest the by-elections, warning that participation would only weaken PTI and give legitimacy to what she termed "unjust disqualifications."
The clarification comes a day after Salman Akram Raja announced his decision to step down as PTI's Secretary General. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Raja confirmed he would formally seek to resign from the organizational post but emphasized that he would continue to provide legal services to the party.
Raja's resignation and Aleema's remarks highlight the party's internal discussions as it faces political and legal challenges amid a nationwide crackdown on its supporters.
