Imran Khan to Send Another Open Letter to Army Chief
ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to send a new open letter to Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, according to his lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail after meeting the incarcerated PTI founder, Mr. Chaudhry stated that the letter would highlight six key points addressing systemic grievances and proposing structural reforms to address national crises.
He mentioned that he took notes during the meeting and that the letter would be dispatched soon. Sources suggest that while the full text may not be released, key highlights will likely be shared on social media.
This will be the third such letter PTI claims to have sent to the army chief, though the authenticity of the previous ones remains uncertain. Security officials previously denied receiving the first letter, whose contents were leaked to the media, while the second letter was never fully disclosed—only select details were shared online.
Notably, Imran Khan does not have direct access to his X (formerly Twitter) account, with his verified social media handles being managed by others. Unlike the secrecy surrounding letters to the army chief, PTI was transparent in releasing its letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi in late January, even attaching pages of documents and evidence. The CJP recently confirmed receiving it and referred it to the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Committee.
PTI’s Letter to IMF
In contrast to the secrecy around the letter to the army chief, PTI publicly shared images of its letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The letter, sent by National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan to IMF economist Mahir Binici, included references to alleged electoral manipulation during Pakistan’s 2024 general elections.
Mr. Ayub emphasized that the IMF’s assessment of Pakistan’s economic and governance framework must consider transparency and the rule of law. He argued that “systematic manipulation” of the electoral process had undermined democracy, justice, and constitutional governance.
The letter also referenced a July 2023 meeting between Imran Khan and IMF representatives, in which Mr. Khan stressed that free and fair elections were essential for stability. The dossier attached to the letter reportedly contained evidence of electoral engineering, including a report by the NGO Pattan, detailing alleged vote-rigging and suppression of PTI’s mandate.
“We believe it is critical that these concerns are brought to the attention of relevant international institutions monitoring governance in Pakistan,” the letter stated.
Sher Afzal Marwat Expelled from PTI
Meanwhile, PTI has expelled party leader Sher Afzal Marwat following his controversial speech in Swabi on February 8. Party spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed the decision.
According to sources, during a meeting at Adiala Jail, PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Senator Shibli Faraz, and Ali Zafar briefed Imran Khan on Mr. Marwat’s remarks. In his speech, Mr. Marwat criticized the party for neglecting its workers and suggested that “bad people” stood by PTI in tough times, while the “good people” remained distant. He also voiced support for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Following the meeting, Imran Khan instructed that Mr. Marwat’s basic party membership be revoked and that he be expelled. Additionally, he will be directed to resign from his National Assembly seat.
This is not the first time Mr. Marwat has faced disciplinary action within PTI. He has previously received multiple show-cause notices and was warned against making controversial statements, including remarks against former PTI Information Secretary Rauf Hasan. Additionally, his comments about Saudi Arabia had previously put PTI in a difficult position.
