I believe PTI needs a more organized leadership structure, particularly during this difficult period. The party needs a team that can manage its affairs, make timely decisions, maintain unity, and provide clear political direction while its senior leadership faces ongoing challenges.
My proposal is to establish two separate seven-member bodies, an Executive Shura to run the party and a National Reconciliation Council to help improve relations between PTI and the military establishment. Each would have a different role, but both would contribute to the party's future and Pakistan's political stability.
1. Seven-Member Executive Shura
The Executive Shura would consist of seven senior PTI leaders who are currently outside prison and available to manage the party. Its responsibility would be to oversee daily affairs, make political and organizational decisions, coordinate with provincial and parliamentary leadership, and keep the party functioning effectively.
Imran Khan would remain PTI's supreme political leader and ultimate authority. The Shura would operate under his political direction and carry out the responsibilities needed to run the party during his absence.
This would be an interim arrangement. Once Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and other senior leaders are released, the structure should be reviewed and reorganized to ensure their participation in the party's leadership and decision-making.
| No. | Name | Proposed position | Main responsibility |
|---|
| 1 | Barrister Gohar Ali Khan | Party Chairman | Overall leadership and coordination |
| 2 | Salman Akram Raja | Secretary General | Legal affairs, constitutional matters and administration |
| 3 | Asad Qaiser | Parliamentary Affairs | Parliamentary strategy and political negotiations |
| 4 | Amir Dogar | Senate & Parliamentary Coordination | Coordination with parliamentarians and legislative affairs |
| 5 | Sheikh Waqas Akram | Information & Communications | Media, communications and public statements |
| 6 | Firdous Shamim Naqvi | Organizational Affairs | Party administration and organizational development |
| 7 | Haleem Adil Sheikh | Provincial Coordination | Sindh and interprovincial coordination |
These are proposed roles, not a change to PTI's officially recognized positions. The availability and current legal status of each proposed member should be confirmed before the structure is finalized.
2. Seven-Member National Reconciliation Council
Alongside the Executive Shura, I propose establishing a separate seven-member National Reconciliation Council. Its purpose would be to open a channel of communication between PTI and the military establishment, address misunderstandings, reduce political tensions, and explore ways to rebuild trust.
Pakistan cannot afford an endless cycle of political confrontation. There needs to be a serious effort to bring the parties to the table and find common ground while respecting the Constitution, democratic principles, and the independence of state institutions.
The proposed council would have four PTI representatives and three retired military officers.
Proposed Members
PTI Representatives: 4 Members
- Barrister Gohar Ali Khan — PTI Chairman; political representation and party leadership.
- Salman Akram Raja — Secretary General; legal and constitutional matters.
- Asad Qaiser — Former Speaker of the National Assembly; political dialogue and parliamentary affairs.
- Haleem Adil Sheikh — Senior PTI leader; party representation and political coordination.
Retired Military Officers: 3 Members
- Lt. Gen. (R) Sikander Afzal — Former senior Pakistan Army officer.
- Lt. Gen. (R) Zahid Ali Akbar Khan — Former senior Pakistan Army officer.
- Air Chief Marshal (R) Abbas Khattak — Former Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.
My choice is
Lt. Gen. (R) Asif Ghafoor
Maj. Gen. (R) Athar Abbas
These names are proposed for consideration, not confirmed appointments. Their willingness and availability to participate would need to be established. The retired officers would take part in their personal capacities and would not represent or speak on behalf of the serving military leadership.
What the Council Would Do
The council would provide a platform for constructive and direct dialogue. Its main responsibilities would include:
- Improving communication between PTI and the establishment.
- Addressing misunderstandings and outstanding political issues.
- Reducing tensions and building confidence between the parties.
- Encouraging respect for constitutional boundaries and democratic institutions.
- Exploring peaceful solutions to political disagreements.
- Making recommendations that could be considered by PTI's Executive Shura.
The council would not have the authority to make commitments on behalf of the serving military, interfere in judicial matters, or enter into secret political arrangements. Its role would be to facilitate dialogue and make recommendations, not to negotiate away anyone's principles or constitutional rights.
The Bigger Picture
The two bodies would have separate responsibilities but a shared objective: keeping PTI organized while creating an opportunity for meaningful political dialogue.
The Executive Shura would focus on running the party, managing its political affairs, and maintaining organizational unity. The National Reconciliation Council would focus on improving communication and finding a constructive way forward between PTI and the establishment.
This proposal is not about compromising on principles or abandoning political positions. It is about recognizing that political confrontation cannot continue indefinitely without consequences for the country and its people.
PTI can stand firm on its principles while remaining open to dialogue. Pakistan needs political stability, respect for the Constitution, strong democratic institutions, and a working relationship between its political leadership and state institutions.
The ultimate objective should be a peaceful political environment where disagreements can be resolved through dialogue, constitutional means, and mutual respect, with Pakistan's interests and the well-being of its people taking priority.
I think more constructive steps must be taken to turn PTI into an institution instead of just a political party.
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