{{Short description|Political party in Pakistan}} {{Distinguish|Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians|Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Nazriati}} {{Protection padlock|small=yes}} {{Use British English|date=March 2020}} {{use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} {{Infobox political party | name = Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf | abbreviation = PTI | native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|ur|{{Nastaliq|پاکستان تحريکِ انصاف}}}}<br />''Pakistan Movement for Justice''}} | logo = Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf logo.svg | founded = {{start date and age|df=yes|p=y|br=y|1996|04|25}} | headquarters = Sector G-6/4<br />Islamabad-44000, ICT | chairman = Gohar Ali Khan | leader1_title = Vice Chairman | leader1_name = Shah Mahmood Qureshi | leader = | president = Parvez Elahi | secretary_general = Salman Akram Raja<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 September 2024 |title=Salman Akram Raja appointed PTI's new secretary general |url=https://www.samaa.tv/2087320415-salman-akram-raja-appointed-pti-s-new-secretary-general |access-date=14 September 2024 |website=Samaa TV |language=en}}</ref> | leader4_title = Leader in Senate | leader4_name = | leader5_title = Leader in National Assembly | leader5_name = | founder = Imran Khan | spokesperson = Sheikh Waqas Akram | ideology = {{ubl|class=nowrap | Populism<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB849476508892946000|title=Imran Khan Bowls Them Over With Populist Pakistani Pitch|last=Waldman|first=Peter|date=2 December 1996|work=The Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|url-access=subscription|access-date=22 May 2020|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118052123/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB849476508892946000|url-status=live}}</ref> | Secularism<ref name="Home Office" /> | Big tent }} | position = Centre-right<ref name="Home Office" /> | colors = {{legend2|#107446|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}Green<br />{{legend2|#E70A0A|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}Red | colorcode = {{party color|Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf}} | slogan = ''Change the system — change Pakistan''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1797412|title=PTI gears up for polls with new slogan|date=13 December 2023|access-date=27 January 2024|work=Dawn (newspaper)|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127163716/https://www.dawn.com/news/1797412|url-status=live}}</ref> | student_wing = Insaf Student Federation | youth_wing = Insaf Youth Wing<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2353535/lahore-braces-for-pti-tsunami|title=Lahore braces for PTI 'tsunami'|date=21 April 2022|access-date=22 April 2022|work=The Express Tribune (newspaper)|archive-date=8 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808131108/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2353535/lahore-braces-for-pti-tsunami|url-status=live}}</ref> | womens_wing = Insaf Women Wing | wing4_title = Research Wing | wing4 = Insaf Research Wing | membership_year = 2012 | membership = {{nowrap|10 million}}<ref name="10 million"/> | seats1_title = AJK Assembly | seats1 = {{composition bar|5|53|{{party color|Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf}}|width=80%}} | symbol = | flag = Flag of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.svg | website = {{URL|https://www.insaf.pk/}} | country = Pakistan | national = Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theprint.in/world/pakistan-opposition-alliance-launches-protest-movement-against-govt-in-balochistans-pishin/2039570/ | title=Pakistan: Opposition alliance launches protest movement against govt in Balochistan's Pishin | website=ThePrint | date=13 April 2024 }}</ref> }} {{Imran Khan sidebar}}
The '''Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf''' ('''PTI'''){{efn|{{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|پاکستان تحريکِ انصاف}}}}, {{lit|Pakistan Movement for Justice}}}} is a political party in Pakistan established in 1996 by cricketer and politician Imran Khan, who served as the country's prime minister from 2018 to 2022. The party is led by Gohar Ali Khan since late 2023. It ranks among the three major Pakistani political parties alongside the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML–N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).
PTI failed to win a single seat in the 1997 general election and won only one seat in the 2002 general election, which was secured by Khan himself. From 1999 to 2007, the PTI supported the presidency of General Pervez Musharraf. It later rose in opposition to Musharraf in 2007 and also boycotted the 2008 general election, accusing it of having been conducted with fraudulent procedures under Musharraf's rule. The global popularity of the "Third Way" during the Musharraf era led to the rise of a new Pakistani political bloc focused on centrism, deviating from the traditional dominance of the centre-left PPP and the centre-right PML–N. When the PML–Q began to decline in the aftermath of Musharraf's presidency, much of its centrist voter bank was lost to the PTI. Around the same time, the PPP's popularity began to decrease after the disqualification of Yusuf Raza Gillani in 2012. With a claimed membership of over 10 million in Pakistan in 2012,<ref name="10 million">{{cite news |last=Malik |first=Mansoor |date=31 October 2012 |title=PTI marks 'Revolution Day' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/760308 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927044901/https://www.dawn.com/news/760308/pti-marks-revolution-day |archive-date=27 September 2020 |access-date=24 October 2013 |newspaper=Dawn}}</ref> the PTI appealed to many former PPP voters, particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, due to its outlook on populism.
In the 2013 general election, the PTI emerged as a major party with over 7.5 million votes, ranking second by number of votes and third by number of seats won. At the provincial level, it was voted to power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During its time in opposition, the PTI, with the help of popular slogans such as {{Transliteration|ur|Tabdeeli Arahi Hai}} ({{Literal translation|change is coming}}), mobilized people in rallies over public distress on various national issues, the most notable of which was the 2014 Azadi march.<ref name="Firstpost">{{Cite news|title=Ahead of march against Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan bans protest, rallies in Islamabad for two months|url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/ahead-of-march-against-nawaz-sharif-pakistan-bans-protest-rallies-in-islamabad-for-two-months-3076308.html|publisher=Firstpost|date=27 October 2016|access-date=11 May 2020|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806141130/https://www.firstpost.com/world/ahead-of-march-against-nawaz-sharif-pakistan-bans-protest-rallies-in-islamabad-for-two-months-3076308.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2018 general election, it received 16.9 million votes—the largest amount for any political party in Pakistan thus far. It became the largest party in terms of representation in the National Assembly of Pakistan since the 2018 general election and then formed the national government in coalition with five other parties for the first time, with Khan serving as the new Pakistani prime minister. However, in April 2022, a no-confidence motion against Khan removed him and his PTI government from office at the federal level.<ref>{{cite news |date=22 May 2013 |title=Voting positions: PTI won more popular votes than PPP |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/552650/voting-positions-pti-won-more-popular-votes-than-ppp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607061535/http://tribune.com.pk/story/552650/voting-positions-pti-won-more-popular-votes-than-ppp/ |archive-date=7 June 2013 |access-date=25 May 2013 |work=The Express Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=28 May 2013 |title=PTI — the new Left? – The Express Tribune |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/555581/pti-the-new-left/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731001450/https://tribune.com.pk/story/555581/pti-the-new-left/ |archive-date=31 July 2018 |access-date=7 March 2016 |work=The Express Tribune}}</ref>
Officially, the PTI has stated that its focus is on turning Pakistan into a model welfare state espousing Islamic socialism,<ref name=welfare>{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2206811/1-pti-foundation-day-pm-recalls-mission-make-country-welfare-state|title=PTI foundation day: PM recalls mission to make country a welfare state|date=25 April 2020|newspaper=The Express Tribune|access-date=11 February 2021|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718174839/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2206811/1-pti-foundation-day-pm-recalls-mission-make-country-welfare-state|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Pakistan's dream catcher">{{cite web |url=http://en.qantara.de/Pakistans-Dream-Catcher/18718c497/index.html |title=Pakistan's dream catcher |website=Qantara.de |first=Marcus |last=Michaelsen |date=27 March 2012 |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-date=10 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510061800/http://en.qantara.de/Pakistans-Dream-Catcher/18718c497/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and also on dismantling religious discrimination against Pakistani minorities.<ref name=ideology>{{cite web |url=http://www.insaf.pk/about-us/know-pti/ideology |title=PTI Ideology |publisher=PTI official |access-date=4 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411215453/http://www.insaf.pk/about-us/know-pti/ideology |archive-date=11 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="dunyanews.tv">{{cite news|url=http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/274195-Everyone-is-equal-state-has-no-religion-Imran-Kh|title=Everyone is equal, state has no religion: Imran Khan|website=Dunya News|date=16 April 2015|access-date=7 March 2016|archive-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228124220/http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/274195-Everyone-is-equal-state-has-no-religion-Imran-Kh|url-status=live}}</ref> The PTI terms itself an anti–{{Transliteration|la|status quo}} movement advocating an Islamic democracy centred on egalitarianism.<ref name="tribune.com.pk">{{cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/399907/pakistans-creation-pointless-if-it-fails-to-become-islamic-welfare-state|title='Pakistan's creation pointless if it fails to become Islamic welfare state'|newspaper=The Express Tribune|first=Sidrah Moiz|last=Khan|date=27 June 2012|access-date=4 January 2013|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713232209/https://tribune.com.pk/story/399907/pakistans-creation-pointless-if-it-fails-to-become-islamic-welfare-state/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Pakistan's dream catcher" /><ref name="insaf.pk">{{cite web |url=http://insaf.pk/about-us/know-pti/constitution |title=Constitution of Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaaf |publisher=PTI official |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412185033/http://insaf.pk/about-us/know-pti/constitution |archive-date=12 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It claims to be the only non-dynastic party of mainstream Pakistani politics in contrast to parties such as the PPP and PML–N.<ref>{{cite web|last=Malik|first=Samia|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/421321/behind-closed-door-pti-facing-intra-party-woes/|title=Behind closed doors, PTI has faced intra-party woes|work=The Express Tribune|date=13 August 2012|access-date=30 November 2012|archive-date=2 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602015251/https://tribune.com.pk/story/421321/behind-closed-door-pti-facing-intra-party-woes|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2019, the party has been criticized by political opponents and analysts alike for its failures to address various economic and political issues, particularly the Pakistani economy, which was further weakened in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Imran Khan has had more failures than successes: Aseefa|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1503144|newspaper=The Dawn|date=2019-09-02|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726131758/https://www.dawn.com/news/1503144|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=What is Imran Khan's real problem?|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/what-is-imran-khans-real-problem/articleshow/71390495.cms|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=2019-10-01|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001183001/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/what-is-imran-khans-real-problem/articleshow/71390495.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Khattak|first=Daud|title=Are Imran Khan's Days as Pakistan's Prime Minister Numbered?|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/04/are-imran-khans-days-as-pakistans-prime-minister-numbered/|publisher=The Diplomat|date=2020-04-21|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512152125/https://thediplomat.com/2020/04/are-imran-khans-days-as-pakistans-prime-minister-numbered/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Khan's government was later praised for leading the country's pandemic recovery in its later stages.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Junaidi |first=Ikram |date=2020-09-11 |title=WHO praises Pakistan's handling of Covid-19 pandemic |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1578971 |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref> During its time in power, the party faced backlash over its crackdown on the Pakistani opposition as well as its regulation of increased censorship through curbs on Pakistani media outlets and freedom of speech.<ref name="Aamir">{{Cite news|last=Aamir|first=Adnan|title=Pakistan on the brink of civil dictatorship|url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/pakistan-brink-civil-dictatorship|publisher=The Interpreter|date=2019-07-15|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109061607/https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/pakistan-brink-civil-dictatorship|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Hussain|first=Zahid|title=Perils of authoritarianism|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1497214|newspaper=The Dawn|date=2019-07-31|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=3 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503112016/https://www.dawn.com/news/1497214|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Hussain|first=Zahid|title=After a year, Imran's PTI is authoritarian, not populist|url=https://www.asianage.com/opinion/columnists/310719/after-a-year-imrans-pti-is-authoritarian-not-populist.html|newspaper=Asian Age|date=2019-08-01|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803113801/https://www.asianage.com/opinion/columnists/310719/after-a-year-imrans-pti-is-authoritarian-not-populist.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The party faced a crackdown following the May 9 riots, with arrests, detention and the resignation of party leaders, while the government claimed that this action was a necessary response to the violence, vandalism, and arson allegedly carried out by PTI officeholders and supporters. On 2 December 2023, Gohar Ali Khan was elected unopposed as the Chairman of the PTI. Imran Khan nominated him for the position of the new chairman of the PTI.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Jailed ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan's party elects new head before election |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/2/jailed-ex-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-party-elects-new-head-ahead-of-election |access-date=2023-12-27 |publisher=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227153605/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/2/jailed-ex-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-party-elects-new-head-ahead-of-election |url-status=live }}</ref>
== History == === Foundation and early years === Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was founded by Imran Khan on 25 April 1996 in Lahore.<ref name="Talbot 1998 339">{{harvnb|Talbot|1998|p=339}}</ref> PTI was conceived when Khan discussed forming a political party at the home of Dr. Nausherwan Burki, head of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital (SKMH). Those involved included Pervez Hasan, a lawyer and SKMH board member; Naeemul Haq, Khan's former bank manager and close associate; Abdul Hafeez Khan, a Pakistani expatriate businessman; and Ahsan Rashid, a former oil company executive and SKMH fundraiser in Saudi Arabia. Later that day, Hamid Khan, a constitutional lawyer, was approached and joined the party. Khan cited frustration with government corruption and restrictions placed by Benazir Bhutto's government on his philanthropic activities as reasons for entering politics. Although Khan instructed that SKMH fundraising be kept separate from PTI, many founding members were donors or fundraisers for the hospital, and the party's early culture reflected its philanthropic origins.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=63}}
Among the party's founding members were Akbar S. Babar,{{sfn|Shah|2024}} Arif Alvi,<ref>{{cite news|title=Pakistan's new President Arif Alvi son of Nehru's dentist|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/Sep/04/pakistans-new-president-arif-alvi-son-of-nehrus-dentist-1867607.html|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=4 September 2018|access-date=3 February 2026}}</ref> Asad Qaiser,<ref>{{cite news|title=On 29th anniversary, PTI demands freedom for Imran Khan, party workers|url=https://www.geo.tv/amp/601873|publisher=Geo News|date=26 April 2025|access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref> Imran Ismail,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Abdul Shakoor|title=Imran distances himself from letter 'praising' Iftikhar Chaudhry|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1127684|newspaper=Dawn|date=25 August 2014|access-date=3 February 2026}}</ref> Omar Sarfraz Cheema,<ref>{{cite news|title=Govt appoints Omar Sarfraz Cheema as new Punjab Governor|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40164885|newspaper=Business Recorder|date=3 April 2022|access-date=3 February 2026}}</ref> and Najeeb Haroon.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ali|first1=Sheharyar|title=Completing 20 years: The ebb and flow of PTI in Karachi|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1141243|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=13 July 2016|access-date=4 April 2026}}</ref> Aamir Mehmood Kiani, Faisal Javed, and Shadab H. Jafri also joined the party in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bangash|first1=Faizan|last2=Alvi|first2=Mumtaz|title=Beginning of exodus?: Three leaders quit PTI under fire over May 9 violence|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1071301-may-9-tragedy-anguish-visible-as-three-more-leaders-leave-pti|newspaper=The News International|date=18 May 2023|access-date=3 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Senate election: PTI diehard supporters get lion's share|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1627206|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=6 February 2018|access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PTI candidates for Lahore seats|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/800123|newspaper=Dawn|date=4 April 2013|access-date=3 March 2026}}</ref> Early women members included Fauzia Kasuri, an SKMH fundraiser in the United States, and Saloni Bokhari, a Lahori businesswoman and SKMH donor,{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=64}} both of whom are considered among the party's founding members;<ref>{{cite news|title=Corrupt people given key posts in PTI, says Fauzia|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/25-May-2018/corrupt-people-given-key-posts-in-pti-says-fauzia|newspaper=The Nation|date=25 May 2018|access-date=9 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PTI founding member Saloni Bukhari passes away|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1376849|newspaper=Dawn|date=16 December 2017|access-date=8 February 2026}}</ref> and Sadiqa Sahibdad Khan, a philanthropist and Hamid Khan's sister-in-law.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=64}} Alvi was regarded as one of the authors of the party's constitution,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mansoor|first1=Hasan|title=Arif Alvi: The 'founder' of PTI also rises|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1427905|newspaper=Dawn|date=19 August 2018|access-date=9 February 2026}}</ref> and Hamid Khan was a leading intellectual influence on the party before 2011.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=65}}
The party's early constitutional documents expressed commitments to social democracy, constitutionalism, political decentralisation, and the rule of law.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=66}} Some critics alleged that PTI was an establishment party created by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence to bolster the state's national security narrative by legitimising jihadi groups and mainstreaming extremism.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=64}}
From 1996 to 2002, PTI lacked a large activist base and meaningful internal competition. The party performed poorly in the 1997 and 2002 general elections, winning only Imran Khan's seat from Mianwali in both contests.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=66}}
=== Reorganisation and rise (2007–2011) === The Lawyers' Movement, the pro-democracy mobilisation following General Pervez Musharraf's 2007 Pakistani state of emergency, the decline of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), and disillusionment among Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers with Zardari's leadership contributed to an influx of workers and leaders into PTI.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|pages=66–67}} During this period, PTI workers, particularly students from its student wing, the Insaf Students Federation (ISF), regularly participated in Lawyers' Movement rallies while carrying PTI flags, increasing the party's public visibility. From around 2007, PTI began attracting professional politicians from both right- and left-wing parties, including some prominent leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and a gradual inflow of student activists from its student wing, Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba, increasing its capacity to function as a catch-all party.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=67}}
PTI boycotted the 2008 Pakistani general elections after Musharraf refused to step down as president.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=66}} According to the columnist Nadeem F. Paracha, the party during this period was "merely drifting as a more good-looking B team of Jamaat-e-Islami".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Paracha|first1=Nadeem F.|author-link1=Nadeem F. Paracha|title=Political parties in Pakistan: Roots, fruit & juice|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/795184|work=Dawn|date=3 May 2013|access-date=20 March 2026}}</ref> Between 2008 and 2011, former members of the PML-Q and disillusioned PPP workers in Punjab also began joining PTI. High-profile entrants included Jahangir Tareen and Aleem Khan, former ministers under Musharraf, who joined in 2011 before the October rally at Minar-e-Pakistan.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=67}} In order to join PTI, Tareen resigned from the National Assembly of Pakistan, stating that his political vision aligned with that of party chairman Imran Khan. He emerged as one of the party's most prominent financiers and organisers and was described by ''Herald'' as PTI's "money man", citing his central role in funding party activities, protests, and election campaigns.<ref name="Herald_Tareen_money_man">{{cite magazine|title=Jahangir Tareen: PTI's money man|url=https://herald.dawn.com/news/1153569|magazine=Herald|date=16 December 2017|access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref>
PTI operated largely as a bottom-up movement driven by activists and new political entrants, with limited reliance on traditional constituency networks in the period leading up to the October 2011 Lahore rally. The party mobilised support through expatriate fundraising, particularly from Pakistanis in the United States and United Kingdom, online membership registration and SMS-based enrolment, and the use of digital communication platforms such as SMSALL.PK.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=67}} These organisational strategies contributed to the success of PTI's October 2011 Lahore rally.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=68}} The party gained national prominence after the rally, which was attended by an estimated 100,000 supporters, and began to be viewed as a viable political force.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=62}} The rally's format and aesthetics later became a template for PTI rallies and were subsequently adopted in the party's protests after 2013.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=68}}
Shah Mehmood Qureshi joined the party in 2012, followed by veteran PML-N leader Javed Hashmi later that year.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=67}} In March 2012, PTI's Central Executive Committee appointed Hashmi as the party's president.<ref>{{cite news|title=Javed Hashmi made PTI president: Imran|url=https://www.geo.tv/amp/78145-javed-hashmi-made-pti-president-imran|work=Geo News|agency=AFP|date=19 March 2012|access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref>
=== 2013 intra-party elections === Tensions between long-standing members and new entrants were already evident in 2012, leading the party to pursue intraparty elections as a means of resolving internal conflict.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=69}} Under its party manifesto, PTI is required to hold intra-party elections every four years; however, no such elections were held for nearly eleven years, and the party was identified by the Election Commission of Pakistan in January 2013 as having failed to conduct intra-party elections within the prescribed timeframe ahead of the general elections.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ghauri|first1=Irfan|title=Intra-party elections: 114 parties fail to fulfill legalities before polls|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/492452|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=11 January 2013|access-date=4 February 2026}}</ref> In January and February 2013, PTI held intraparty elections across Punjab and in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,<ref name="ImranKhanElectedChairperson2013">{{cite news|title=Imran Khan elected PTI chairperson unopposed|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/523725|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=20 March 2013|access-date=4 February 2026}}</ref> allowing members registered via SMS to vote either electronically or at local polling booths. Elections were conducted from the union council level up to the central council, with Hamid Khan serving as election commissioner and the party's lawyers' wing assisting in administration.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=69}}
Following these polls, Imran Khan was elected chairperson unopposed in March 2013, as no other party official filed nomination papers to contest the position. Khan stated that the party would impose a two-term limit on its chairperson and that he would not serve as a lifetime party head, saying that such practices were inconsistent with democratic norms.<ref name="ImranKhanElectedChairperson2013"/> While the elections increased factional conflict and weakened PTI's constituency campaigns in the 2013 general elections, their longer-term impact saw former PML-Q leaders Jahangir Tareen and Aleem Khan gain influence sidelining the party's old guard.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=69}} Naz Baloch, previously information secretary of the party's women's wing, was elected central vice president.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ali|first1=Rabia|title=Meet the Baloch daughters of the east|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/543263|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=1 May 2013|access-date=5 February 2026}}</ref> In the Punjab chapter elections, Ejaz Chaudhry was elected president of PTI Punjab, and Yasmin Rashid was elected the party's provincial general secretary.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ejaz Chaudhry elected as PTI Punjab president|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/164669-Ejaz-Chaudhry-elected-as-PTI-Punjab-president|work=Dunya News|date=17 March 2013|access-date=13 February 2026}}</ref> In June 2013, former PTI women's wing leader Fauzia Kasuri resigned from the party, alleging that the intra-party elections had not been conducted fairly and accusing the party's election commissioner, Hamid Khan, of preventing her from contesting. PTI rejected these claims, stating that the elections were held on 21 March 2013 and that Kasuri had relinquished her US citizenship after the polls, affecting her eligibility to contest.<ref>{{cite news|title=Announcing decision: Fauzia Kasuri officially quits PTI|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/559579|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=6 June 2013|first1=Zahid|last1=Gishkori|access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref>
In December 2013, Imran Khan constituted an election tribunal headed by Wajihuddin Ahmed to address internal complaints regarding the intra-party elections. In October 2014, the tribunal ordered the dissolution of party bodies and the holding of fresh elections.<ref name="DawnPTIPollDilemma2015">{{cite news|title=Analysis: PTI party poll dilemma|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1178845|last1=Shahzad|first1=Mirza Khurram|work=Dawn|date=29 April 2015|access-date=28 March 2026}}</ref> Reports by the commission headed by Tasneem Noorani and the Justice (retd.) Wajihuddin Ahmed Election Tribunal confirmed manipulation of the intraparty elections.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=69}} Wajihuddin stated that "buckets of money" had been poured into the intra-party elections and concluded that several contests had been rigged.<ref name="Herald_Tareen_money_man"/> Wajihuddin recommended the expulsion of Tareen, Aleem Khan, Pervez Khattak, and Nadir Leghari for rigging the elections and unlawfully occupying party positions.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=69}} In April 2015, Khan dissolved the tribunal after failing to implement its directives, leading to a dispute between the party leadership and the tribunal.<ref name="DawnPTIPollDilemma2015"/> Despite pressure from party workers, Imran Khan declined to act on these recommendations, stating at a workers' convention that political leaders, like corporate executives, must rely on their own judgement; following this, grassroots workers began leaving the party in large numbers.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=69}} ''Herald'' reported, citing PTI members, that a group within the party led by Tareen opposed the public release of the tribunal's report.<ref name="Herald_Tareen_money_man"/>
=== 2013 Pakistani general election === {{See also|2014 Azadi march|Chief ministership of Pervez Khattak||Panama Papers case}} [[File:Banega Neya Pakistan ( Build a New Pakistan).jpg|thumb|left|279x279px|PTI rally in 2014 with the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) at the Minar-e-Pakistan]] In April 2013, PTI unveiled a 13-point election manifesto that prioritised internal security and pledged "justice for all". The document proposed a sovereign foreign policy based on friendly relations with all countries, including India and the United States, and stated that a PTI government would seek to withdraw Pakistan from the United States-led war on terror while strengthening the National Counter Terrorism Authority with representation from military, intelligence, and civilian institutions. The manifesto also proposed debating Pakistan's defence budget in an in-camera session of parliament and outlined governance reforms including a whistleblower programme to report corruption, greater devolution of authority to municipal governments, and agricultural taxation on large landholdings.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gishkori|first1=Zahid|title=PTI unveils 'justice for all' manifesto|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/533534|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=9 April 2013|access-date=16 March 2026}}</ref>
PTI chief Imran Khan contested four National Assembly constituencies in the 2013 Pakistani general election. The party's campaign drew significant support from urban women and youth voters.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gul|first1=Ayaz|title=Who Are the Candidates in Pakistan's Election?|url=https://www.voanews.com/amp/pakistan-election-candidates/1654254.html|work=Voice of America|date=3 May 2013|access-date=18 March 2026}}</ref> PTI won 28 seats in the National Assembly.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 May 2013 |title=Imran Khan's party won second most votes in Pakistan election |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/10082600/Imran-Khans-party-won-second-most-votes-in-Pakistan-election.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608034110/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/10082600/Imran-Khans-party-won-second-most-votes-in-Pakistan-election.html |archive-date=8 June 2013 |access-date=27 May 2013 |work=The Telegraph |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=7 June 2013 |title=Anti polio programme: Bill gates reaches out to Imran Khan for support |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/560178/anti-polio-programme-bill-gates-reaches-out-to-imran-khan-for-support/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608101205/http://tribune.com.pk/story/560178/anti-polio-programme-bill-gates-reaches-out-to-imran-khan-for-support/ |archive-date=8 June 2013 |access-date=7 June 2013 |work=The Express Tribune}}</ref> It emerged as the single largest party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after winning 59 seats, formed the provincial government with coalition support,<ref>{{cite news |date=12 May 2013 |title=Imran Khan's party set to form govt in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/imran-khan-s-party-set-to-form-govt-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-113051400373_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023000626/http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/imran-khan-s-party-set-to-form-govt-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-113051400373_1.html |archive-date=23 October 2013 |access-date=14 May 2013 |work=Business Standard |agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=29 May 2013 |title=PTI grabs 10 women special seats in KPK |url=http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1190319/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613071357/http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1190319 |archive-date=13 June 2013 |access-date=19 May 2013 |work=Business Recorder}}</ref>{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=62}} and emerged as the third-largest party nationally.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=62}} The PTI-led Pervez Khattak Administration presented a balanced, tax-free budget for the fiscal year 2013–14,<ref>{{cite web |date=18 June 2013 |title=Khyber Pakhtunkhwa makes it tax-free |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/18-Jun-2013/khyber-pakhtunkhwa-makes-it-tax-free |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021111205/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/18-Jun-2013/khyber-pakhtunkhwa-makes-it-tax-free |archive-date=21 October 2013 |access-date=9 January 2016 |work=The Nation}}</ref> and introduced the Sehat Sahulat (Sehat Insaf Card) health insurance programme.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 August 2016 |title=KP launches 'Sehat Ka Insaf card |url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/khyber-pakhtunkhwa/01-Sep-16/kp-launches-sehat-ka-insaf-card |publisher=Daily Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=1 September 2016 |title=Sehat Insaf Card launched |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1281267 |publisher=Dawn News}}</ref> In November 2013, Khan directed Khattak to end the party's alliance with the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) due to its failure to take action against its ministers over corruption, including Bakht Baidar and Ibrar Hussain.<ref name="thenews.com.pk2">{{cite news |title=Imran Khan asks KP govt to part ways with Sherpao's party |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-126306-Imran-Khan-asks-KP-govt-to-part-ways-with-Sherpaos-party |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201174418/http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-126306-Imran-Khan-asks-KP-govt-to-part-ways-with-Sherpaos-party |archive-date=1 December 2013 |access-date=28 November 2013 |work=The News International}}</ref>
Following the elections, Jahangir Tareen's presence in PTI's senior leadership highlighted internal divisions within the party. According to ''Herald'', his growing prominence highlighted a divide between party members who prioritised ideological mobilisation and those who held the view that electoral success required greater reliance on wealthy and influential candidates. Tareen was widely perceived as representing the latter group.<ref name="Herald_Tareen_money_man"/>
A year after the elections, on 11 May 2014, PTI alleged that the 2013 general elections had been massively rigged.<ref>[http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-30285-Imran-demands-new-ECP-resignation-of-its-members Imran demands new ECP, resignation of its members] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819091319/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-30285-Imran-demands-new-ECP-resignation-of-its-members|date=19 August 2014}} 12 May 2014; ''The News International''. Retrieved 15 August 2014</ref> On 14 August 2014, PTI organised the Azadi March from Lahore towards Islamabad, during which the party demanded Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's resignation.<ref name="Imran Khan address at Faisal Chowk">[http://tribune.com.pk/story/748978/destination-islamabad-azadi-march-takes-off/ Destination Islamabad: Azadi march takes off] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817200918/http://tribune.com.pk/story/748978/destination-islamabad-azadi-march-takes-off/|date=17 August 2014}} By Anwer Sumra; Published: 15 August 2014; ''The Express Tribune''. Retrieved 16 August 2014</ref> Javed Hashmi left the party in September 2014 after accusing Khan of colluding with Tahir-ul-Qadri and elements of the military establishment against Sharif.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=70}} In March 2015, PTI entered into an agreement with the Sharif administration to establish a judicial commission to inquire into allegations of rigging.<ref>{{cite web |title=PTI, PML-N come together in 'national interest' |url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2015/03/23/national/pti-pml-n-come-together-in-national-interest/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106095135/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2015/03/23/national/pti-pml-n-come-together-in-national-interest/ |archive-date=6 January 2016 |access-date=9 January 2016 |work=pakistantoday.com.pk}}</ref>
thumb|267x267px|PTI women activists and supporters in 2015
In August 2015, PTI chairman Imran Khan suspended Wajihuddin Ahmed's basic party membership after he publicly discussed internal party matters,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Haider|first1=Irfan|title=Imran Khan suspends Justice (r) Wajihuddin's PTI membership|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1198553|newspaper=Dawn|date=5 August 2015|access-date=26 January 2026}}</ref> amid differences over the implementation of recommendations made by the party's election tribunal on the 2013 intra-party elections.<ref name="DawnWajihuddinResigns2016">{{cite news|last1=Abbas|first1=Syed Sammer|title=Justice (r) Wajihuddin resigns from PTI|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1286009|newspaper=Dawn|date=25 September 2016|access-date=26 January 2026}}</ref> In September 2015, a group of PTI founding members led by Akbar S. Babar issued a show-cause notice to Imran Khan, alleging corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement within the party, including the refusal to conduct an independent audit of party funds and failure to act on findings related to irregularities in the intra-party elections.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Zaman|first1=Qamar|title=Too much 'Insaf': PTI founders issue show cause notice to Imran Khan|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/960639|work=The Express Tribune|date=21 September 2015|access-date=2 April 2026}}</ref> PTI election commissioner Tasneem Noorani resigned in 2016 after Khan declined to hold elections for the party's national leadership. Khan dissolved PTI's organisational structure, and party bodies at all levels were subsequently appointed by Khan and his associates rather than elected.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=70}} Wajihuddin resigned from PTI in September 2016.<ref name="DawnWajihuddinResigns2016"/>
In June 2016, PTI suspended the basic membership of Mufti Abdul Qawi after a controversy erupted over selfies and videos he took with the model Qandeel Baloch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1128306/pti-suspends-mufti-abdul-qawis-party-membership-qandeel-baloch-controversy|title=PTI suspends Mufti Qawi's party membership over Qandeel Baloch controversy|date=22 June 2016|website=The Express Tribune}}</ref>
In late 2016, PTI dissolved its organisational structure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and postponed intra-party elections in the province. To manage party affairs on an interim basis, PTI divided Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into four regions and appointed interim regional heads. Provincial Minister for Public Health Engineering Shah Farman was assigned to the Peshawar zone, Minister for Revenue Ali Amin Gandapur to the southern zone, Minister for Tourism Mehmood Khan to the Malakand zone, and Zar Gul Khan to the Hazara region.<ref>{{cite news|title=Delay in intra-party polls puts PTI in deep crises|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1308741|newspaper=Dawn|date=16 January 2017|access-date=10 February 2026}}</ref>
Following the Panama Papers leak, PTI filed a petition in the Supreme Court in late 2016, seeking an investigation into corruption allegations against the Sharif family.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 November 2016 |title=Pakistan: Supreme Court hears Panama leaks case |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/pakistan-supreme-court-hears-panama-leaks-case-161101080340730.html |access-date=24 January 2017 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> The court disqualified Sharif from holding public office, after which he resigned as prime minister.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-07-28 |title=Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif disqualified by court |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40750671 |access-date=2017-07-28 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In July 2017, Naz Baloch left PTI for the PPP, citing the marginalisation of women and youth. In August 2017, PTI Member of the National Assembly Ayesha Gulalai accused Khan and his close associates of disrespecting women and party workers.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=70}}
=== 2017 intra-party elections === According to its constitution, PTI was required to hold intra-party elections by March 2017. In May 2017, Imran Khan announced that the elections would be held on 11 June 2017 under the newly appointed election commissioner, Azam Swati. The announcement followed directives from the Election Commission of Pakistan instructing provincial authorities not to allot PTI its electoral symbol, the "cricket bat", in by-elections due to the party's failure to hold the polls.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wasim|first1=Amir|title=Overdue PTI intra-party elections on June 11|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1333039|newspaper=Dawn|date=14 May 2017|access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref>
During the 2017 intra-party elections, 256,957 of approximately 2.7 million registered party workers cast their votes over a two-day polling process,<ref name="DawnPTIIntraParty2017">{{cite web|last=Chaudhry|first=Fahad|date=13 June 2017|title=PTI intra-party poll: Imran Khan elected chairman with huge margin|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1339265|website=Dawn|language=en|access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> representing a turnout of 10.4 percent.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=70}}
[[File:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Press conference 2018.jpg|thumb|Party press conference featuring Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Khan, Murad Saeed, and Shibli Faraz in February 2018]]
Imran Khan was re-elected as chairman. The following individuals were elected to other key party offices:<ref name="DawnPTIIntraParty2017"/> * PTI vice chairman: Shah Mahmood Qureshi * PTI secretary-general: Jahangir Tareen * Central Punjab president: Aleem Khan * Sindh chapter president: Arif Alvi * Balochistan chapter president: Yar Muhammad Rind * Khyber Pakhtunkhwa south president: Ali Amin Gandapur
=== 2018 election and post-election period === {{Main|Premiership of Imran Khan}}
{{See also|Imran Khan government|First 100 days of Imran Khan's premiership}} [[File:PTI Leadership in 2018 elections campaign.jpg|left|thumb|243x243px|Party leaders (left to right) Pervez Khattak, Jahangir Tareen, Imran Khan, Aleem Khan and Naeemul Haque in the 2018 election campaign on the Minar-e-Pakistan]] In the run-up to the 2018 Pakistani general election PTI was accused of facilitating the judicial disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and of siding with the judiciary and military establishment against media organisations critical of military influence. In 2018, Fauzia Kasuri published an opinion article criticising PTI's departure from its original ideology, accusing the party of fostering a cult of personality, mobilising its youth against internal dissent, and warning of growing influence by unseen power brokers; the article marked her departure after nearly two decades of association with the party.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=71}}
In May 2018, PTI announced a 100-day agenda to be implemented if the party was elected to power. The agenda outlined commitments including the merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the creation of a new province in Southern Punjab, a political reconciliation process in Balochistan, and measures to improve law and order and civic conditions in Karachi. It also focused on reforms in governance, economic growth, agriculture, social services, and national security.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wasim |first=Amir |date=21 May 2018 |title=Imran unveils ambitious agenda for first 100 days of govt |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1409003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106085845/https://www.dawn.com/news/1409003 |archive-date=6 January 2019 |access-date=7 August 2018 |website=dawn.com}}</ref> PTI campaigned on a populist and anti-corruption platform. The election was widely seen as a contest between PTI and the Pakistan Muslim League (N).<ref name=":0" /> The party's campaign prominently featured the slogan ''Naya Pakistan'' (New Pakistan), as outlined in its manifesto.<ref name="NIAS">{{Cite web |title=Rise of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI) and Naya Pakistan: 2018 elections and the challenges ahead |url=https://cms.nias.res.in/publications/rise-of-pakistan-tehreek-i-insaf-pti-and-naya-pakistan-2018-elections-and-the |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=National Institute of Advanced Studies }}</ref> However, while promoting the idea of a "New Pakistan", PTI relied electorally on alliances with established power centres, including right-wing religious parties, electables, business interests, and the military establishment.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=72}}
[[File:Imran Khan Arif Alvi.jpg|thumb|PTI's 2018 election campaign trail, with Imran Khan seen with President candidate Arif Alvi. Top party members Faisal Javed and Khurrum Sher Zaman can also be seen.]]
The party won 116 of the 270 directly contested National Assembly seats,<ref name=":0">{{cite news |date=26 July 2018 |title=Ex-cricketer Khan leads Pakistan elections in early counting |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44961193 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529152358/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44961193 |archive-date=29 May 2019 |access-date=27 July 2018 |work=BBC News}}</ref> emerging as the largest party in Parliament,{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=60}} and its total seat count rose to 125 after nine independent MNAs-elect joined PTI. Following the allocation of 28 reserved seats for women and five for minorities, PTI's strength in the 342-member National Assembly reached 158 seats,<ref>{{cite news|title=PTI gets 33 reserved seats, consolidates its lead in NA|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/354190-pti-gets-33-reserved-seats-consolidates-its-lead-in-na|newspaper=The News|date=12 August 2018|access-date=1 February 2026}}</ref> increasing its overall representation from 31 seats in 2013 to 158 seats in 2018.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=72}} PTI was able to lead a coalition government, marking its first successful bid for power at the federal level.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=60}} Following the election, opposition parties, particularly the PML-N, alleged vote rigging and electoral irregularities,<ref name=":0"/> arguing that PTI benefited from an army-engineered lack of a level playing field.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=72}} PTI nominated Imran Khan as its candidate for prime minister.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 August 2018 |title=PTI formally nominates Imran Khan as prime minister candidate |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/206277-pti-formally-nominates-imran-khan-as-prime-minister |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226144651/https://www.geo.tv/amp/206277%20 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |access-date=6 August 2018 |website=Geo.tv}}</ref> After forming government, a significant portion of PTI's cabinet consisted of former ministers from the PML-Q and PPP.{{sfn|Mufti|Siddiqui|Shafqat|2020|page=72}} The PTI government launched an austerity drive soon after coming to power in an effort to address Pakistan's financial difficulties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Imran Khan kicks off austerity drive to address financial tough time in Pakistan |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-09/20/c_137480993.htm |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=Xinhua }}</ref>
[[File:National Assembly 2018.svg|thumb|The 15th National Assembly of Pakistan, under a PTI majority (red) in 2018|left]]
In 2019, Buzdar provincial government saw the resignations of Senior Minister Aleem Khan and Minister Sibtain Khan after both were arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on corruption-related charges.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-15 |title=Minister steps down as NAB gets his 10-day custody |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1993089/sibtain-khan-remanded-in-nab-custody-for-10-days |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adnan |first=Imran |date=2019-02-06 |title=PTI leaders hail Aleem Khan's decision to step down |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1904867/pti-leaders-hail-aleems-decision-step |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> In December 2019, PTI suspended the basic party membership of Hamid Khan and issued him a show cause notice for "defaming and maligning" the party.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1519975|title=PTI suspends Hamid Khan's membership|first=Amir|last=Wasim|date=2 December 2019|website=DAWN}}</ref> Senior PTI ministers in the Mahmood Khan provincial government, Atif Khan, Shakeel Ahmad and Shahram Khan Tarakai, were removed from the cabinet in January 2020 amid allegations that they were attempting to form a forward bloc and undermine Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, a move approved by Prime Minister Khan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-27 |title=Ousted K-P minister breaks silence |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2145476/ousted-k-p-minister-breaks-silence |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
In February 2021, a show-cause notice was issued to party member Liaquat Ali Jatoi after he made allegations of corruption against the party leadership regarding the allocation of Senate election tickets.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1609193/pti-seeks-explanation-from-jatoi-for-making-graft-charges-against-party|title=PTI seeks explanation from Jatoi for making graft charges against party|first=Amir|last=Wasim|date=25 February 2021|website=DAWN.COM}}</ref> In March 2021, Aslam Abro and Shahar Yar Khan Shar were expelled from the party for violating the party's instructions during the Senate polls, and their basic party memberships were subsequently cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1611914|title=PTI expels two lawmakers from Sindh for 'violating party instructions in Senate polls'|first=Javed|last=Hussain|date=11 March 2021|website=DAWN.COM}}</ref> It was reported that both had accused the party leadership and voted against the party's candidates for Senate seats in Sindh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40072493|title=PTI expels Aslam Abro, Shahryar Shar over violation of party discipline|first=Fahad|last=Zulfikar|date=11 March 2021|website=Brecorder}}</ref>
=== Post-government period (2022–present) === {{Further|2022 Azadi March I}} On 22 May 2022, PTI chairman Imran Khan announced that his party would launch a long march towards Islamabad starting on 25 May 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Sirajuddin |date=May 22, 2022 |title=PTI's long march to Islamabad on May 25: Imran Khan |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1690955 |website=DAWN}}</ref> Police conducted raids on the residences of PTI leaders and workers across the country and arrested at least 150 party members.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 24, 2022 |title=Islamabad braces for PTI's long march as crackdown intensifies |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2358110/islamabad-braces-for-ptis-long-march-as-crackdown-intensifies |website=The Express Tribune}}</ref>
thumb|266x266px|Worker displays the party's flag in November 2022.|left
In October 2022, Faisal Vawda's party membership was terminated over his contentious press conference.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1717533|title=PTI terminates Faisal Vawda's party membership|date=29 October 2022|website=DAWN.COM}}</ref>
==== 2023 expansion ==== In February 2023, Parvez Elahi joined PTI along with ten former MPAs of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML (Q)). On 7 March 2023, Elahi was appointed as the President of PTI.<ref name="thenews.com.pk">{{Cite web |title=PTI appoints Parvez Elahi as president |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1047559-pti-appoints-parvez-elahi-as-president |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=The News |language=en |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307152812/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1047559-pti-appoints-parvez-elahi-as-president |url-status=live }}</ref> On 19 March 2023, Ijaz-ul-Haq, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Z), announced that he had joined the PTI.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-19 |title=PML-Z president Ijaz-ul-Haq joins PTI |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40232285 |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=Brecorder |language=en |archive-date=19 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319164723/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40232285 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== May 9 riots and crackdown ==== {{main|May 9 riots}} {{See also|2023 Pakistani protests}} [[File:Imran Khan, 14 July 2023.webm|thumb|Party Chairman Imran Khan speaks on the riots.]] On 9 May 2023, after the arrest of Imran Khan, the leader of the PTI, from the Islamabad High Court grounds, nationwide demonstrations by PTI supporters turned into violent riots. PTI workers and members caused incidents of vandalism, looting, and arson, resulting in Rs. 1.98 billion in damages to government and military facilities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Special report: May 9, mayhem and military trials — a year on|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1832279|date=9 May 2024|access-date=14 August 2024|website=DAWN}}</ref> Punjab Police, using geo-fencing reports, alleged that Imran Khan and key PTI leaders coordinated efforts to incite attacks on the residence of the Lahore corps commander and other sensitive locations. Police reported over 400 calls made by PTI leaders, including Khan, instructing rioters to target these areas. Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar confirmed the use of geo-fencing to trace these communications, naming Khan as a prime suspect in orchestrating the attacks. Other PTI leaders involved included Hammad Azhar, Yasmin Rashid, Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhary, Mian Aslam Iqbal, and Murad Raas, all of whom were reportedly in contact with the rioters and issued specific instructions for the attacks,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1755602|title=Imran and key aides 'planned' May 9 riots, geo-fencing reveals|author=Asif Chaudhry|publisher=Dawn|date=25 May 2023|access-date=15 August 2024}}</ref> while PTI has denied these claims and alleged that government agencies were behind the riots.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Ahmad Fraz Khan |author2=Ikram Junaidi |date=2023-05-17 |title='Agency men' behind May 9 violence: PTI |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1753763/agency-men-behind-may-9-violence-pti |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=DAWN|language=en}}</ref> Furthermore, PTI has alleged that the May 9 riots were a "false flag operation" designed by the Pakistan Armed Forces and The Establishment to destroy and crackdown on the party as well as to arbitrarily arrest party leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-08 |title='Imran to Nation': May 9 false flag operation pre-planned to crush PTI |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/05/08/imran-to-nation-may-9-false-flag-operation-pre-planned-to-crush-pti/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahmad |first=Zulfiqar |date=2024-05-09 |title=Attempt made to crush PTI thru false flag operation: IK |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40302554 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-09 |title=False flag operation of May 9 was pre-planned, Imran |url=https://gnnhd.tv/news/34721/false-flag-operation-of-may-9-was-pre-planned-imran-khan |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=GNN |language=en-US}}</ref>
A detailed order from Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Khalid Arshad implicated PTI's founder, Imran Khan, in orchestrating attacks on military installations, government properties, and police officials. The order revealed that Khan had instructed PTI leaders to create chaos and exert pressure for his release if arrested, as testified by two prosecution witnesses. The court order described a meeting held on 7 May 2023, where Khan allegedly directed PTI leaders to prepare for potential unrest on May 9, should he be detained. He purportedly warned through a video message of a scenario akin to Sri Lanka's unrest; if he were to be arrested, encouraging party workers to engage in what he termed a "real jihad for real freedom." The prosecution suggested that Khan orchestrated a criminal conspiracy, rallying top PTI leadership to incite actions that culminated in the attack and arson of the Jinnah House (Corp Commander House, Lahore), aiming to intimidate the government.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2478818/court-order-reveals-imran-khans-role-in-targeting-military-installations-and-government-properties|title=Court order reveals Imran Khan's role in targeting military installations, govt properties|author=Rana Yasif|publisher=The Express Tribune|date=11 July 2024|access-date=14 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1208687-may-9-mayhem-atc-rejects-imran-khans-political-victimisation-allegations|title=May 9 mayhem: ATC rejects Imran Khan's 'political victimisation' allegations|author=Naveen Ali|publisher=The News International|date=11 July 2024|access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.siasat.com/pak-court-says-actions-of-imran-khan-similar-to-that-of-a-terrorist-3059964/|title=Pak court says actions of Imran Khan similar to that of a 'terrorist'|publisher=The Siasat Daily|date=11 July 2024|access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref>
After the riots, a crackdown was initiated by government of Shehbaz Sharif against PTI leaders and workers, with thousands arrested.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title=Pakistan: End crackdown on political opposition |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa33/6811/2023/en/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Amnesty International |language=en}}</ref><ref name="fp">{{Cite web |date=2023-06-06 |title=Repeated arrests, filthy cells in Pakistan: Inside Sharif government's crackdown on PTI |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/repeated-arrests-filthy-cells-in-pakistan-inside-sharif-governments-crackdown-on-pti-12700122.html |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shah |first=Saeed |date=2023-05-25 |title=Pakistan's Opposition Begins to Crack After Thousands Arrested |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/pakistans-opposition-begins-to-crack-after-thousands-arrested-82e959d6 |access-date=2023-06-28 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> PTI revealed evidence suggesting that PTI workers and party members were harassed, and unlawfully arrested.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pakistan launches crackdown on Imran Khan's party |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a41387a1-40c6-411c-9101-864bf84ccfa4 |access-date=2024-03-29 |newspaper=Financial Times |date=26 May 2023 |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329021948/https://www.ft.com/content/a41387a1-40c6-411c-9101-864bf84ccfa4 |url-status=live |last1=Parkin |first1=Benjamin |last2=Bokhari |first2=Farhan }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Insight: Repeated arrests, filthy cells: Inside Pakistan's crackdown |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/repeated-arrests-filthy-cells-inside-pakistans-crackdown-2023-06-06/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |archive-date=6 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806112043/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/repeated-arrests-filthy-cells-inside-pakistans-crackdown-2023-06-06/ |url-status=live }}</ref> PTI leaders were forced to quit party/party positions in televised press conferences.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title='Forced divorces': Imran reacts to leaders' exodus from PTI |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2418225/forced-divorces-imran-reacts-to-leaders-exodus-from-pti |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Businesses of PTI leaders who did not quit the party were sealed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Imran Khan supporters say their businesses targeted in Pakistan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/8/khan-supporters-say-their-businesses-being-targeted-in-pakistan |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-12 |title=PTI's Patafi brothers' businesses sealed |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1759235 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DAWN|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-28 |title=PTI ex-MPA Jaura's store, restaurant sealed |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1762066 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DAWN|language=en}}</ref> A crackdown was also initiated on vocal women supporters of PTI - the most prominent of which was Khadija Shah, a businesswoman and granddaughter of former Pakistani Army Chief, Asif Nawaz Janjua.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan: How Khan crackdown imperils women in politics |url=https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-how-khan-crackdown-imperils-women-in-politics/a-65892234 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=DW |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-09 |title=Khadija Shah, other PTI women supporters sent to jail on judicial remand |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/06/09/khadija-shah-other-pti-women-supporters-sent-to-jail-on-judicial-remand/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Pakistan Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
==== Party resignations, terminations, and expulsions (2023) ==== From May 2023 to August 2023,<ref name="May 2023">{{Cite web |title=Two More PTI Leaders From KP Announce To Quit Party |url=https://www.bolnews.com/2023/05/20/politics/two-more-pti-leaders-from-kp-announce-to-quit-party/index.html |access-date=22 May 2023 |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522190044/https://www.bolnews.com/2023/05/20/politics/two-more-pti-leaders-from-kp-announce-to-quit-party/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="3 August">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/02-Aug-2023/pti-kicks-out-raja-riaz-noor-alam-and-11-other-leaders|title=PTI kicks out Raja Riaz, Noor Alam and 11 other leaders|date=2 August 2023|website=The Nation}}</ref> PTI faced a wave of resignations,<ref name="May 2023"/> as well as terminations and expulsions resulting from internal disciplinary actions.<ref name="3 August"/><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1767530|title=PTI expels 22 in KP, issues notices to 11 GB leaders|author1=Mohammad Ashfaq |author2=Jamil Nagri|date=31 July 2023|website=DAWN}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1767958|title=PTI expels 22 leaders from party|first=Ikram|last=Junaidi|date=2 August 2023|website=DAWN}}</ref>
In July 2023, PTI terminated the basic membership of twenty-two former lawmakers and party members from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan.<ref name="auto2"/>
On 2 August 2023, PTI terminated basic party membership of twenty-two party leaders from South Punjab due to party policy violations, including its former Chief Minister of Punjab, Usman Buzdar.<ref name="auto1"/>
On 8 August 2023, Dewan Sachanand was expelled from the PTI for violating party discipline when he voted for Rana Ansar, a member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan (MQM-P), to become the Leader of the Opposition in the Provincial Assembly.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-04 |title=PTI expels eight lawmakers from Sindh for party discipline |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/04-Aug-2023/pti-expels-eight-lawmakers-from-sindh-for-party-discipline |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}</ref>
Details of other notable PTI leaders who exited the party through resignation, termination, or expulsion during this period:
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="border-collapse: collapse;" |- ! Name ! Date membership ended ! Mode ! Stated cause ! Ref. |- | Hisham Inamullah Khan | May 2023 | Resigned | Resigned following the May 9 violence | <ref name="May 2023"/> |- | Usman Khan Tarakai | May 2023 | Resigned | Resigned following the May 9 violence | <ref>{{Cite web |last=Abbas |first=Ali |date=2023-05-21 |title=Another ex-PTI MNA jumps ship over May 9 violence |url=https://arynews.tv/another-ex-pti-mna-jumps-ship-over-may-9-violence/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=ARY NEWS |language=en-US |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522191547/https://arynews.tv/another-ex-pti-mna-jumps-ship-over-may-9-violence/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah | May 2023 | Resigned | Resigned following the May 9 violence | <ref>{{Cite web |last=Junaidi |first=Ikram |date=2023-05-21 |title=PTI continues to lose wickets |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1754653 |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522190043/https://www.dawn.com/news/1754653 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain | May 2023 | Resigned | Resigned following the May 9 violence | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain 'quits PTI' over May 9 mayhem |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1072898-chaudhry-wajahat-hussain-quits-pti-over-may-9-mayhem |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=The News |language=en |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522190044/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1072898-chaudhry-wajahat-hussain-quits-pti-over-may-9-mayhem |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Aftab Siddiqui | May 2023 | Resigned | Resigned following the May 9 violence | <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ayub |first=Imran |date=2023-05-22 |title=Another MNA parts ways with PTI over May 9 riots |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1754962 |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=DAWN|language=en |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522190043/https://www.dawn.com/news/1754962 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Dost Muhammad Mazari | May 2023 | Resigned | Resigned following the May 9 violence | <ref>{{Cite web |author=Web Desk |date=2023-05-22 |title=Dost Muhammad Mazari bids adieu to PTI |url=https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/punjab/item/119880-dost-muhammad-mazari-bids-adieu-to-pti.html |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=SUCH TV |language=en-gb |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522190045/https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/punjab/item/119880-dost-muhammad-mazari-bids-adieu-to-pti.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Faiz Ullah Kamoka | May 2023 | Resigned | Resigned following the May 9 violence | <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-22 |title=Faizullah Kamoka parts ways with PTI |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/725765-Faizullah-Kamoka-parts-way-with-PTI |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=Dunya News |language=en |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522190044/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/725765-Faizullah-Kamoka-parts-way-with-PTI |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Mahmood Moulvi | May 2023 | Resigned | Resigned following the May 9 violence | <ref name="msn.com">{{Cite web |title=In major blow, two more senior leaders quit PTI |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/in-major-blow-two-more-senior-leaders-quit-pti/ar-AA1bvNF5 |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=MSN |language=en-AE |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522190044/https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/in-major-blow-two-more-senior-leaders-quit-pti/ar-AA1bvNF5 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Shireen Mazari | May 2023 | Resigned | Resigned following the May 9 violence | <ref>{{Cite web |last=Shehzad |first=Rizwan |date=2023-05-23 |title=In blow to PTI, Mazari quits party, politics |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2418213/shireen-mazari-quits-pti-and-politics-for-familys-sake |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524054142/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2418213/shireen-mazari-quits-pti-and-politics-for-familys-sake |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Muhammad Ishtiaq Urmar | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Muhammad Iqbal Wazir | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Muhib Ullah Khan | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Syed Ghazi Ghazan Jamal Orakzai | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Aghaz Ikramullah Gandapur | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Ahmed Hussain Shah | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Ehtesham Javed Akber Khan | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Ibrahim Khattak | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Muhammad Deedar | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Shafiq Afridi | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Mufti Ubaid ur Rahman | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Saleh Muhammad Khan | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Zia Ullah Khan Bangash | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Zahoor Shakir | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Wilson Wazir | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Iqbal Mian | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Shah Faisal Khan | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Shaukat Ali Yousafzai | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Sher Akbar Khan | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Nadeem Khayal | July 2023 | Terminated | Party policy violations | <ref name="auto2"/> |- | Sardar Muhammad Khan Laghari | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Sabeen Gul Khan | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Khusro Bakhtiar | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Mian Shafi Muhammad | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Syed Muhammad Asghar Shah | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Mian Tariq Abdullah | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Muhammad Akhtar Malik | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Muhammad Afzal Chaudhry | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Ehsan-ul-Haque Chaudhry | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Javed Akhtar Ansari | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Muhammad Saleem Akhtar | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Muhammad Zaheer ud Din Khan Alizai | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Muhammad Farooq Azam Malik | August 2023 | Terminated | Violation of party policy | <ref name="auto1"/> |- | Raja Riaz | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Noor Alam Khan | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Ramesh Kumar Vankwani | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Nuzhat Pathan | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Wajiha Qamar | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Sardar Riaz Mehmood Khan Mazari | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Malik Nawab Sher Waseer | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Syed Basit Sultan Bukhari | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Muhammad Afzal Khan Dhandla | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Abdul Ghaffar Wattoo | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Sardar Aamir Talal Khan Gopang | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |- | Malik Ahmed Hussain Dehar | August 2023 | Expelled | Violation of party policy | <ref name="3 August"/> |}
==== 2024 election and post-election period (2024–Present) ==== After Arrest of Imran Khan, the PTI's leadership structure was significantly constrained ahead of the 2024 Pakistani general election, as Khan and vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi were imprisoned. To meet the Election Commission's requirements and enable the party's participation in the elections, Gohar Ali Khan was elected unopposed as PTI chairman. Gohar described his appointment as temporary and said that he would step down once Imran Khan's conviction was overturned.<ref name=":1" /> Omar Ayub Khan was nominated by Imran Khan as the party's candidate for prime minister.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-16 |title=Imran Khan picks Omar Ayub Khan as PTI's PM nominee – a man wanted by police |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/pakistan-elections-imran-khan-omar-ayub-pti-b2497314.html |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329021948/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/pakistan-elections-imran-khan-omar-ayub-pti-b2497314.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 19 February 2024, PTI announced an alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM).<ref>{{cite web |title=PTI Announces Alliance With Sunni Ittehad Council, MWM |date=19 February 2024 |url=https://arynews.tv/pti-announces-alliance-with-sunni-ittehad-council-mwm/ |publisher=ARY News |access-date=20 February 2024 |archive-date=20 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220030102/https://arynews.tv/pti-announces-alliance-with-sunni-ittehad-council-mwm/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The alliance with SIC was aimed at enabling the PTI to claim its share of reserved seats in the national, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Junaidi |first=Ikram |date=2024-02-20 |title=PTI 'merges' with seatless party for three assemblies |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1815639 |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=DAWN |language=en |archive-date=20 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220043916/https://www.dawn.com/news/1815639 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:PTI top leaders with SIC Leader, 2024.jpg|thumb|272x272px|Top party leaders from left to right: Then-Information Secretary Raoof Hasan, Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Then-Secretary General Omar Ayub with SIC leader Sahibzada Hamid Raza in April 2024]]
In December 2024, Salman Ahmad, a long-term member of the party, was expelled after publicly criticising Bushra Bibi, including describing her as "corrupt and greedy".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2517086/pti-kicks-out-salman-ahmad|title=PTI expels Salman Ahmad for targeting Bushra Bibi and Khan's family|date=19 December 2024|website=The Express Tribune}}</ref>
In February 2025, Imran Khan ordered the expulsion of lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat for repeated breaches of party discipline.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40347744/sher-afzal-being-expelled-from-pti|title=Sher Afzal being expelled from PTI?|first=Zulfiqar|last=Ahmad|date=13 February 2025|website=Brecorder}}</ref> At a PTI rally, Marwat delivered a cryptic speech suggesting that "bad people" are useful in "bad times" while "good people" remain silent, and implied that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur would represent people like himself. These remarks prompted internal complaints and led to the revocation of his basic membership.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1282059-sher-afzal-marwat-expelled-from-pti-over-disciplinary-violation|title=Sher Afzal Marwat expelled from PTI over disciplinary violation|website=The News}}</ref> Previously, he was issued a show-cause notice for his comments against Salman Akram Raja.<ref name="auto3"/>
==Positions== PTI aimed to transform Pakistan into an Islamic state modelled on ''Riyasat-e-Madinah'' (State of Madina), described as an Islamic version of a welfare state intended to create a more equal society. According to the PTI's policy as described in 2018, the party planned to develop poverty reduction programmes, promote diverse livelihood options, improve the healthcare system, and strengthen educational system reforms.<ref name="Sr">{{cite journal |author1=Muhammad Hamza Sr |title=Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf Government Policies For Socioeconomic Uplift Of Pakistanis: A Study Of Public Perception And Satisfaction |journal=Bulletin of Business and Economics |date=2021 |volume=10 |url=https://bbejournal.com/index.php/BBE/article/download/74/4/10 |issn=2409-9368 |access-date=19 February 2024 |archive-date=19 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219105108/https://bbejournal.com/index.php/BBE/article/download/74/4/10 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Domestic=== The PTI proposed civilian control of Pakistan's military. The Inter-Services Intelligence service would report directly to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and the defence budget would be audited by the government. Imran Khan also pledged to resign should any terrorism take place from Pakistani soil following these reforms.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011\11\12\story_12-11-2011_pg7_26 |title=Imran vows to bring army, ISI under civilian control |newspaper=Daily Times |date=12 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113022953/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011%5C11%5C12%5Cstory_12-11-2011_pg7_26 |archive-date=13 November 2011}}</ref><ref name="firstpost1">{{cite web |url=http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/imran-khan-says-army-isi-will-be-kept-under-check-129145.html |title=Imran Khan says army, ISI will be kept under check |date=11 November 2011 |publisher=Firstpost |access-date=2 December 2012 |archive-date=15 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115093705/http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/imran-khan-says-army-isi-will-be-kept-under-check-129145.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://pakistan.onepakistan.com.pk/news/breaking/14261-imran-khan-vows-to-bring-army-isi-under-civilian-control-if-in-power.html |title=Imran Khan vows to bring army, ISI under civilian control if in power |website=OnePakistan.com |date=12 November 2011 |access-date=2 December 2012 |archive-date=30 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730182030/http://pakistan.onepakistan.com.pk/news/breaking/14261-imran-khan-vows-to-bring-army-isi-under-civilian-control-if-in-power.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> PTI organised a protest against drone attacks in Pakistan on 23 November 2013 at Peshawar, where it called on the federal government to force an end to U.S. CIA drone attacks and to block NATO supplies through the country to Afghanistan. "We will put pressure on America, and our protest will continue if drone attacks are not stopped." The U.S. embassy declined to comment on the protest that also temporarily closed a route leading to one of two border crossings used for the shipments.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/11/protesting-pakistanis-block-nato-supply-route-2013112312404623604.html |title=Protesting Pakistanis block NATO supply route |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=23 November 2013 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=25 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125101638/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/11/protesting-pakistanis-block-nato-supply-route-2013112312404623604.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The PTI also raised issue of religious tolerance and greater representation for minorities.<ref name="rights">{{cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/35967-pti-to-protect-rights-of-minorities-imran|title=PTI to protect rights of minorities: Imran|date=14 December 2011|work=Geo News|access-date=26 August 2021|archive-date=26 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826235226/https://www.geo.tv/latest/35967-pti-to-protect-rights-of-minorities-imran|url-status=live}}</ref> PTI promised to crack down on police brutality, restructure the civil service, reform the electoral system, allow for a truly independent judiciary, decentralise state power, and enforce laws which extend personal liberty.<ref name="insaf.pk" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/678132/pti-chief-imran-khan-declares-assets |title=PTI Chief Imran Khan declares assets |date=4 December 2011 |newspaper=Dawn |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-date=24 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624033900/http://www.dawn.com/news/678132/pti-chief-imran-khan-declares-assets |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 February 2013 PTI launched<ref>{{cite web |title=Education Policy |url=http://insaf.pk/policies/education |publisher=PTI official |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227231648/http://insaf.pk/policies/education |url-status=dead }}</ref> its 'Education Policy'<ref>{{cite web |title=PTI Education Policy |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/126367296/PTI-Education-Policy |publisher=Scribd |access-date=7 September 2017 |archive-date=13 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913104517/https://www.scribd.com/document/126367296/PTI-Education-Policy |url-status=live }}</ref> with plans to introduce a uniform education system with one curriculum in three languages for Urdu, English and regional languages for the entire of Pakistan in primary schools.<ref>{{cite web |title=PTI unveils its much awaited "Education Policy Vision" |url=http://insaf.pk/news/National-news/item/15154-Imran%20unveils%20education%20policy;%20PTI%20to%20spend%202.5%20trillion%20RPS%20on%20education%20sector |publisher=PTI official |date=20 February 2013 |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227231651/http://insaf.pk/news/National-news/item/15154-Imran%20unveils%20education%20policy;%20PTI%20to%20spend%202.5%20trillion%20RPS%20on%20education%20sector |url-status=live }}</ref> The PTI advocated the establishment of South Punjab and Gilgit Baltistan as formal provinces of Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |title=PTI GOVT FINALISES DRAFT LAW FOR DECLARING GILGIT-BALTISTAN A PROVINCE |date=30 July 2021 |url=https://arynews.tv/pti-govt-finalises-draft-law-for-declaring-gilgit-baltistan-a-province/#:~:text=PTI%20govt%20finalises%20draft%20law%20for%20declaring%20Gilgit-Baltistan,%28GB%29%20a%20province%2C%20ARY%20News%20reported%20on%20Friday. |publisher=ARYNEWS |access-date=7 July 2022 |archive-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006144435/https://arynews.tv/pti-govt-finalises-draft-law-for-declaring-gilgit-baltistan-a-province/#:~:text=PTI%20govt%20finalises%20draft%20law%20for%20declaring%20Gilgit-Baltistan,%28GB%29%20a%20province%2C%20ARY%20News%20reported%20on%20Friday. |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=PTI, PPP back south Punjab province bill |date=18 January 2022 |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1670015 |publisher=Dawn |access-date=7 July 2022 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707153613/https://www.dawn.com/news/1670015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The PTI is described as secular and centre-right.<ref name="Home Office">{{cite web |title=Country policy and information note: political parties and affiliation, Pakistan, February 2026 (accessible) |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pakistan-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-political-parties-and-affiliation-pakistan-february-2026-accessible |website=www.gov.uk |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |quote=9.4.1 The PTI, described as a secular, centre-right, was founded in 1996 by Imran Khan.{{sup|[footnote 69][footnote 70][footnote 71]}} }}</ref>
In the 2018 election, Imran Khan promises to bring a "Naya Pakistan" (new Pakistan).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Abdul |first1=Rahman |title=Reforming the Crisis Ridden Pakistan: Will Imran Khan Succeed in Making "Naya Pakistan" |date=19 August 2018 |publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform |isbn=978-1725927490 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fMHBugEACAAJ}}</ref> Following its rise to national government in Pakistan, the PTI backed off from certain commitments in its manifesto what was criticised by its opponents as ''U-turns''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Siddiqui|first=Taha|title=Imran Khan's first year in office: U-turns and oppression|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/imran-khan-year-office-turns-oppression-190726091846779.html|newspaper=Al-Jazeera|date=2019-07-26|access-date=2020-08-06|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809235210/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/imran-khan-year-office-turns-oppression-190726091846779.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Dawn'' has found that the progress on some promises is still stuck in its initial stages or has been marred with delays.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-18 |title=Tracking Naya Pakistan — Three years into power, here's where PTI stands on some of its promises |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1641014 |access-date=2024-02-19 |website=DAWN|language=en |archive-date=19 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219115055/https://www.dawn.com/news/1641014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Foreign policy=== {{see also|China–Pakistan relations|Pakistan–Russia relations|Pakistan–United States relations}} The PTI hopes to have a relationship with the US that would be based on "self-dignity and respect"<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/406300/nawaz-sharif-imran-khan-assured-of-a-pro-us-government-munter/ |title=Nawaz, Imran Khan assured me of a pro-US government: Munter |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=10 July 2012 |access-date=2 December 2012 |archive-date=13 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913232423/http://tribune.com.pk/story/406300/nawaz-sharif-imran-khan-assured-of-a-pro-us-government-munter/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and promised to stop all foreign aid to Pakistan.<ref name="firstpost1" /> Imran Khan, the leader of PTI claimed "having relations with US, Russia and China is in Pakistan's interest" and Pakistan's "future is tied up with Russia".<ref>{{cite web |title=Having relations with US, Russia and China is in Pakistan's interest: Imran Khan |date=31 May 2022 |url=https://sachkhabrain.com/en/pakistan/having-relations-with-us-russia-and-china-is-in-pakistans-interest-imran-khan/ |publisher=sachkhabrain |access-date=7 July 2022 |archive-date=15 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915090230/https://sachkhabrain.com/en/pakistan/having-relations-with-us-russia-and-china-is-in-pakistans-interest-imran-khan/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Imran Khan: Pakistan's future is tied up with Russia |url=https://www.dw.com/en/imran-khan-pakistans-future-is-tied-up-with-russia/av-62333847 |publisher=DW |date=2022-07-01 |access-date=7 July 2022 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707153613/https://www.dw.com/en/imran-khan-pakistans-future-is-tied-up-with-russia/av-62333847 |url-status=live }}</ref> The PTI also promised to make the Kashmir issue a top priority and would try and solve the issue permanently so that Pakistan no longer has any border or territorial disputes with any of its neighbours.<ref>{{cite web |first=Fawad |last=Khan |url=http://www.aaj.tv/2012/11/i-will-make-kashmir-issue-my-top-priority-imran-khan/ |title="I will make Kashmir issue my top priority": Imran Khan |publisher=AAJ.tv |date=15 November 2012 |access-date=2 December 2012 |archive-date=12 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312064612/http://www.aaj.tv/2012/11/i-will-make-kashmir-issue-my-top-priority-imran-khan/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Organization and structure== ===Administration=== [[File:Imran Khan giving autographs.JPG|thumb|200x200px|Then Vice-President Ejaz Chaudhary (right) with Imran Khan (centre) in the party's 2013 intra-party elections]] The National Council serves as the governing body of the PTI. Its members include office bearers of provincial organizations, presidents of regional and district organizations, and five members nominated by various sectors such as women, youth, students, labour, farmers, minorities, lawyers, and overseas organizations. Additionally, advisors nominated by the chairman are part of the council. The National Council is responsible for electing central office-bearers.<ref name="insaf.pk" />
====Intra-party elections==== In March 2012,<ref>{{cite web |title=Intra-party Elections 2012 |url=http://www.insaf.pk/AboutUs/IntraPartyElections12/tabid/319/Default.aspx |publisher=PTI official |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019220159/http://www.insaf.pk/AboutUs/IntraPartyElections12/tabid/319/Default.aspx |archive-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> PTI announced plans to conduct US-style intra-party elections, aiming to introduce local caucuses on district levels throughout the country.<ref>{{cite web |title=Code of Conduct for the Intra-Party Election of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, 2012 |url=http://www.insaf.pk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=mv_oik3jMvM%3d&tabid=319 |publisher=PTI official |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019215911/http://www.insaf.pk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=mv_oik3jMvM%3d&tabid=319 |archive-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> As part of this process, aspiring candidates would engage in debates and undergo primaries to secure a party ticket for contesting Provincial Assembly or National Assembly seats. The elections commenced in October 2012 and concluded on 23 March 2013, culminating in the election of the National Council after an extensive electoral process involving over four million registered members.<ref name="nc">{{cite web |title=Elected Office-Bearers of the National Council |url=http://insaf.pk/news/National-news/item/15438-PTI%20Elected%20National%20Council |publisher=PTI official |date=24 March 2013 |access-date=1 April 2017 |archive-date=20 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620112318/http://insaf.pk/news/National-news/item/15438-PTI%20Elected%20National%20Council |url-status=live }}</ref> With these elections, PTI became the first political party in Pakistan to conduct the largest intra-party election based on the general electoral base. On 2 December 2023, PTI held new intra-party elections,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=Intra Party Elections 2023 -Notification of Results |url=https://insaf.pk/notification/intra-party-elections-2023-notification-results |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf |language=en |archive-date=6 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206124157/https://www.insaf.pk/notification/intra-party-elections-2023-notification-results |url-status=live }}</ref> which were invalidated by Election Commission of Pakistan. The party conducted another intra-party election on 3 March 2024.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://arynews.tv/dawood-kakar-elected-as-pti-balochistan-president/ |title=Dawood Kakar elected as PTI Balochistan president |work=ARY |date=3 March 2024 |access-date=4 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317211315/https://arynews.tv/dawood-kakar-elected-as-pti-balochistan-president/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
;Central functions {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left" |- ! Office ! Incumbent ! Term began |- | Chairman | Gohar Ali Khan | 3 March 2024 |- | Vice Chairman | Shah Mahmood Qureshi |3 December 2011 |- | President | Parvez Elahi | 7 March 2023 |- | Senior Vice President | rowspan="4" | Vacant{{efn|see PTI intra-party elections case|name=PTI intraparty case}} |- | Senior Vice President | |- |Senior Vice President | |- |Senior Vice President | |- | Secretary General | Salman Akram Raja |7 September 2024 |- | Central Information Secretary | Sheikh Waqas Akram<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-26 |title=Waqas Akram replaces Raoof Hasan as PTI secretary information |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/840170-waqas-akram-replaces-raoof-hasan-as-pti-secretary-information- |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Dunya News |language=en}}</ref> |26 September 2024 |}
Most of PTI's central leadership was elected. Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi were elected on 20 March 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/523725/imran-khan-elected-pti-chairperson-unopposed/ |title=Imran Khan elected PTI chairperson unopposed |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=20 March 2013 |access-date=20 March 2013 |archive-date=22 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322174633/http://tribune.com.pk/story/523725/imran-khan-elected-pti-chairperson-unopposed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Secretary information, Secretary Finance, Secretary Social Media, Secretary Political Training, and Secretary Policy Planning are appointed by the chairman and confirmed by the CEC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/524116/intra-party-elections-imran-elected-pti-chief-unopposed/ |title=Intra-party elections: Imran elected PTI chief unopposed |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=21 March 2013 |access-date=21 March 2013 |archive-date=22 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322070634/http://tribune.com.pk/story/524116/intra-party-elections-imran-elected-pti-chief-unopposed/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
;Provincial Council {{multiple image | align = right | direction = horizontal | image1 = Politician Ejaz Chaudhary Portrait.jpg | width1 = 165 | caption1 = Ejaz Chaudhary, former President of Punjab Chapter }}
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Designation ! Name ! Election Date |- | President of Punjab | rowspan="2" |Hammad Azhar<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1823166|title=PTI refuses to accept Hammad Azhar's resignation from key party positions|date=22 March 2024|access-date=29 March 2024|work=Dawn (newspaper)|archive-date=29 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329180702/https://www.dawn.com/news/1823166|url-status=live}}</ref> | 16 December 2023 |- | General Secretary of Punjab |4 June 2022 |- | President of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Junaid Akbar | 25 January 2025 |- | General Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |Ali Asghar Khan |3 March 2024 |- |President of Sindh | Haleem Adil Sheikh | 3 March 2024 |- | General Secretary of Sindh |Ali Palh |3 March 2024 |- | President of Balochistan | Dawood Shah Kakar | 3 March 2024 |- | General Secretary of Balochistan | | |}
===Party wings=== {{main|List of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf elected members (2013–2018)}}
{{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = | image1 = | width1 = | caption1 = | image2 = Murad Saeed.jpg | width2 = 160 | caption2 = Murad Saeed | image3 = Msc 2009-Sunday, 11.00 - 12.30 Uhr-Zwez 003 Qureshi.jpg | width3 = 160 | caption3 = Shah Mehmood Qureshi | image4 = | width4 = 160 | caption4 = | image5 = | width5 = | caption5 = | image6 = Asad Qaiser Speaking.jpg | width6 = 160 | caption6 = Asad Qaiser | header = Notable party<br />members and leaders | header_align = center }}
;Central Tarbiyati Council (CTC) In June 2014, a Central Tarbiyati Council was established, which is responsible for training party activists on ideology, election campaigns, and other organizational matters.<ref name="insaf.pk" />
;PTI Women Wing<ref name="insaf.pk" /> {| class="wikitable" |- ! Designation !! Name !{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- |President |Kanwal Shauzab | rowspan="8" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-23 |title=PTI finalises nominees for women's reserved seats in Punjab |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/23-Jul-2024/pti-finalises-nominees-for-women-s-reserved-seats-in-punjab |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | Senior Vice President|| rowspan="5" | Vacant{{efn|name=PTI intraparty case}} |- | Vice President of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |- | Vice President of Balochistan |- |Vice President of Sindh |- | Vice President of Punjab |- |President of Central Punjab |Shahnaz Tariq |- | General Secretary |Rubina Shaheen |}
;Insaf Student Federation (ISF) The Insaf Student Federation (ISF) serves as the official student wing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-06-30 |title=Student politics: ISF elects provincial president |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/570608/student-politics-isf-elects-provincial-president |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=15 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415142135/https://tribune.com.pk/story/570608/student-politics-isf-elects-provincial-president |url-status=live }}</ref>
;Insaf Youth Wing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf established its youth wing aimed at addressing the concerns and challenges faced by individuals under the age of 40.<ref name="nc" />
;Insaf Research Wing Insaf Research Wing (IRW) was established to conduct research aimed at finding solutions to issues in Pakistan. IRW was founded in 2009<ref>{{cite web |title=Getting Involved in Insaf Research Wing |url=http://www.supportimrankhan.org/Articles/story.aspx?&id=88 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019183010/http://www.supportimrankhan.org/Articles/story.aspx?&id=88 |archive-date=19 October 2013 |access-date=19 October 2013 |publisher=Support Imran Khan}}</ref> for addressing issues within its area of expertise, covering socio-political, information technology, economics, energy, healthcare, corruption, foreign affairs, education, and environment sectors. It consists of nine committees.<ref>{{cite web |title=Insaf Research Wing (IRW) |url=http://www.insaf.pk/Media/InsafBlog/tabid/168/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1666/INSAF-RESEARCH-WING-IRW.aspx |publisher=Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf |date=6 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184126/http://www.insaf.pk/Media/InsafBlog/tabid/168/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1666/INSAF-RESEARCH-WING-IRW.aspx |archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref>
The IRW has since been replaced by the Insaf Research Team.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://insaf.pk/wings/insaf-research-team |title=Insaf Research Team |publisher=PTI official |access-date=1 April 2017 |archive-date=2 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402082309/http://insaf.pk/wings/insaf-research-team |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Electoral performance== [[File:PTI Symbol Elections.png|thumb|100px|The bat remained the iconic electoral symbol of PTI from 2013 to 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453118/sc-deals-final-blow-to-ptis-bat-hopes|title=SC deals final blow to PTI's 'bat' hopes|date=13 January 2024|access-date=13 January 2024|work=The Express Tribune|archive-date=14 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114044755/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453118/sc-deals-final-blow-to-ptis-bat-hopes|url-status=live}}</ref>]] right|thumb| People in Peshawar gather to welcome Imran Khan on 23 December 2008.
{|class="wikitable" |- |+ style="text-align: left;" | General election results '''National Assembly''' |[[File:Pakistan election 1997 PTI vote share.png|center|thumb|11th National Assembly (1997)]] |[[File:Pakistan election 2002 PTI vote share.png|center|thumb|12th National Assembly (2002)]] |[[File:Pakistan election 2013 PTI vote share.png|center|thumb|14th National Assembly (2013)]] |[[File:Pakistan election 2018 PTI vote share.png|center|thumb|15th National Assembly (2018)]] |}
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Electoral performance in the National Assembly |- ! rowspan=2|Election ! rowspan=2|Leader ! colspan=2|Votes ! colspan=2|Seats ! rowspan=2|Position ! rowspan=2|Result |- ! # ! % ! # ! ± |- ! 1997 | rowspan="6" |Imran Khan |314,820 |1.61 | {{Composition bar|0|237|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{steady}} |none | {{no|Extraparliamentary}} |- ! 2002 |242,472 | 0.83 | {{Composition bar|1|342|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}} 1 |10th | {{no2|In opposition}} |- ! 2008 |colspan=6|Did not contest |- ! 2013 | 7,679,954 |16.92 | {{Composition bar|35|342|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}} 35 |3rd | {{no2|In opposition}} |- ! rowspan="2" | 2018 | rowspan="2" |16,903,702 | rowspan="2" |31.92 | rowspan="2" | {{Composition bar|149|342|hex=#E70A0A}} | rowspan="2" |{{increase}}114 | rowspan="2" |1st | {{yes2|In government (till 11 April 2022)}} |- |{{No2|Opposition (from 11 April 2022)}} |}
{| class="wikitable" |+ Electoral Performance in Senate of Pakistan elections !Election!! Leader !!Votes!!Seates!!Position !+/–!!Result |-
|2015||Mohsin Aziz || -|| {{Composition bar|9|104|hex=#E70A0A}}|| 4th |{{increase}} 9||{{no2|In Opposition}} |- |2018||Azam Khan Swati <br />Shibli Faraz <br />Shahzad Waseem|| -|| {{Composition bar|15|104|hex=#E70A0A}}|| 3rd |{{increase}} 6||{{no2|In Opposition}} |- |2021||Shahzad Waseem|| – || {{Composition bar|26|100|hex=#E70A0A}}|| 1st |{{increase}} 9 ||{{yes2| In Government}} |- |2024||Shibli Faraz|| – || {{Composition bar|17|96|hex=#E70A0A}}|| 3rd |{{decrease}} 10 ||{{no2| Opposition}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Electoral performance in the Punjab Assembly |- ! rowspan=2|Election ! rowspan=2|Leader ! colspan=2|Votes ! colspan=2|Seats ! rowspan=2|Position ! rowspan=2|Resulting government |- ! # ! % ! # ! ± |- !2013 |Ghulam Sarwar Khan |4,951,216 |17.76 | {{Composition bar|30|371|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}}30 |2nd | {{no2|{{nowrap|PML (N) majority}}}} |- ! rowspan="3" |2018 | rowspan="3" |Sardar Usman Buzdar | rowspan="3" |11,141,139 | rowspan="3" |33.65 | rowspan="3" | {{Composition bar|179|371|hex=#E70A0A}} | rowspan="3" |{{increase}}149 | rowspan="3" |1st | {{yes2|PTI coalition (till 30 April 2022)}} |- | {{No2|PML (N) coalition (from 30 April 2022 till 27 July 2022)}} |- | {{yes2|PTI coalition (from 27 July 2022)}} | |}
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Electoral performance in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly |- ! rowspan=2|Election ! rowspan=2|Leader ! colspan=2|Votes ! colspan=2|Seats ! rowspan=2|Position ! rowspan=2|Resulting government |- ! # ! % ! # ! ± |- !2013 |Pervez Khattak |1,039,719 |19.31 | {{Composition bar|61|124|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}} 61 |1st | {{yes2|{{nowrap|PTI coalition}}}} |- !2018 <br /> + 2019 ''(ex-FATA Elections)'' |Mahmood Khan |2,314,387 |35.32 | {{Composition bar|94|145|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}} 33 |1st | {{yes2|{{nowrap|PTI majority}}}} |}
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Electoral performance in the Sindh Assembly |- ! rowspan=2|Election ! rowspan=2|Leader ! colspan=2|Votes ! colspan=2|Seats ! rowspan=2|Position ! rowspan=2|Resulting government |- ! # ! % ! # ! ± |- !2013 |Khurrum Sher Zaman |609,128 |6.08% |{{Composition bar|4|168|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}} 4 |4th |{{no2|{{nowrap|PPP majority}}}} |- !2018 |Firdous Naqvi <br />Haleem Adil Sheikh |1,451,132 |14.47% | {{Composition bar|30|168|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}} 26 |2nd | {{no2|{{nowrap|PPP majority}}}} |}
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Electoral performance in the Balochistan Assembly |- ! rowspan=2|Election ! rowspan=2|Leader ! colspan=2|Votes ! colspan=2|Seats ! rowspan=2|Position ! rowspan=2|Resulting government |- ! # ! % ! # ! ± |- ! rowspan="1" |2018 | rowspan="1" |Yar Muhammad Rind | rowspan="1" |109,488 | rowspan="1" |6.21 | rowspan="1" | {{Composition bar|7|65|hex=#E70A0A}} | rowspan="1" |{{increase}} 7 | rowspan="1" |4th | {{yes2|{{nowrap|BAP coalition}}}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Electoral performance in the Gilgit Baltistan Assembly |- ! rowspan=2|Election ! rowspan=2|Leader ! colspan=2|Votes ! colspan=2|Seats ! rowspan=2|Position ! rowspan=2|Resulting government |- ! # ! % ! # ! ± |-
|2015||Raja Jahanzeb || 42,101 || 11.11% || {{Composition bar|1|33|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}} 1||3rd|| {{no2|PML (N) Majority}} |- |2020||Khalid Khurshid|| – || – || {{Composition bar|22|33|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}} 21||1st|| {{yes2|{{nowrap|PTI Majority}}}} |}
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Electoral performance in the Azad Kashmir Assembly |- ! rowspan=2|Election ! rowspan=2|Leader ! colspan=2|Votes ! colspan=2|Seats ! rowspan=2|Position ! rowspan=2|Resulting government |- ! # ! % ! # ! ± |-
|2016|| Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry || 211,827 || 12.7% || {{Composition bar|2|49|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}} 2||4th|| {{no2|PML (N) Majority}} |- |2021||Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi|| 613,590 || 32.5%|| {{Composition bar|32|53|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{increase}} 24||1st|| {{yes2|{{nowrap|PTI Majority}}}} |}
===1997 and 2002 general elections=== Less than a year after its establishment, PTI participated in the 1997 general elections. Imran Khan stood in seven constituencies across Pakistan but did not secure a majority in any.<ref>{{harvnb|Talbot|1998|p=2}}</ref>
During the 2002 general elections, party chairman Imran Khan won one seat from Mianwali. PTI garnered 0.8% of the popular vote.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.ecp.gov.pk/content/GE-2002.htm |publisher=Election Commission of Pakistan |title=Detailed Position of Political Parties / Alliances in National Assembly General Elections – 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820041723/http://www.ecp.gov.pk/content/GE-2002.htm |archive-date=20 August 2010}}</ref>
=== 2008 general elections === [[File:Iktearsoffpapers.jpg|thumb|alt=Imran Khan tearing his nomination paper at a press conference in 2007. It has been taken by the Administration of www.insaf.pk, who have allowed to use it.|Imran Khan tearing his nomination paper at a press conference in 2007. PTI boycotted the 2008 general election.]] PTI openly boycotted the Pakistani general election on 18 February 2008 because it believed that the election was fraudulent and fraught with irregularities.<ref name=":4">NPR, December 14, 2007, [https://www.npr.org/2007/12/14/17246544/pakistans-imran-khan-planning-election-boycott Pakistan's Imran Khan Planning Election Boycott]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mehdi |first=Tahir |date=2014-08-05 |title=Will PTI boycott 'the mid-term' polls? |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1123467 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=DAWN|language=en}}</ref>
===2013 general elections=== [[File:Imran Khan PTI Chairman in Abbottabad.jpg|thumb|alt=PTI & Imran Khan back up with people living in Hazara on provincial demand, it was announced on 8 April 2012 address to thousands of Pakistanis.|Imran Khan on stage at a 2012 public gathering at Abbottabad|left]] On 21 April 2013, Khan, the chairman of PTI, launched his campaign for the 2013 elections from Lahore, where he addressed supporters at The Mall, Lahore followed by prayers at the Data Durbar Complex.<ref>{{cite news |title=Imran opens Lahore poll war front |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Apr-2013/imran-opens-lahore-poll-war-front |newspaper=The Nation |date=21 April 2013 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421081334/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/21-Apr-2013/imran-opens-lahore-poll-war-front |archive-date=21 April 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> This was followed by large rallies in Karak and Dera Ismail Khan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covering new ground: Imran Khan to address Karak, DI Khan |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/538414/covering-new-ground-imran-khan-to-address-karak-di-khan |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=21 April 2013 |access-date=8 May 2013 |archive-date=25 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425042153/http://tribune.com.pk/story/538414/covering-new-ground-imran-khan-to-address-karak-di-khan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He also announced that he would pull Pakistan out of the US-led war on terror and bring peace in the Pashtun tribal belt.<ref>{{cite news |title=Will begin new Pakistan after three weeks: Imran |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/86258-will-begin-new-pakistan-after-three-weeks-imran |website=Geo.tv |date=21 April 2013 |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804091609/https://www.geo.tv/latest/86258-will-begin-new-pakistan-after-three-weeks-imran |url-status=live }}</ref> On 22 April 2013, Khan addressed different public meetings in Malakand, Lower Dir District and Upper Dir District, where he announced that PTI would introduce a uniform education system in which the children of rich and poor would have equal opportunities.<ref>{{cite news |title=Imran Khan vows to release Pakistan from US slavery |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/22-Apr-2013/imran-khan-vows-to-release-pakistan-from-us-slavery |newspaper=The Nation |date=22 April 2013 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423061904/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/22-Apr-2013/imran-khan-vows-to-release-pakistan-from-us-slavery |archive-date=23 April 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On the same day, he spoke at a rally in Rawalpindi's Constituency NA-56, accompanied by Shaikh Rasheed Ahmad.<ref>{{cite news |title=Imran kicks off Rawalpindi campaign |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/23-Apr-2013/imran-kicks-off-rawalpindi-campaign |newspaper=The Nation |date=23 April 2013 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423070836/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/elections-2013/23-Apr-2013/imran-kicks-off-rawalpindi-campaign |archive-date=23 April 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 23 April 2013, Khan addressed large rallies in Renala Khurd, Okara, and other parts of Sahiwal Division. He challenged PML-N President Nawaz Sharif to a live debate, a challenge which PML-N was quick to decline.<ref>{{cite news |title=Imran throws down gauntlet to Nawaz, invites him to debate |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/58428-imran-throws-down-gauntlet-to-nawaz-invites-him-to-debate |website=Geo.tv |date=23 April 2013 |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111513/https://www.geo.tv/latest/58428-imran-throws-down-gauntlet-to-nawaz-invites-him-to-debate |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 April, Khan addressed rallies in Nankana Sahib District, Sheikhupura, and Pattoki, where he announced that once in power, no parliamentarian would receive development funds as they are misused for achieving political gains.<ref>{{cite news |title=PML-N used govt funds for political gains: Imran Khan |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/86338-pml-n-used-govt-funds-for-political-gains-imran-khan |website=Geo.tv |date=24 April 2013 |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804091638/https://www.geo.tv/latest/86338-pml-n-used-govt-funds-for-political-gains-imran-khan |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 25 April 2013, Khan addressed political gatherings in South Punjab, including in Pakpattan, Lodhran, and Vehari.<ref>{{cite news |title=Funds should have been used on energy not metro bus: Imran |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-98381-Funds-should-have-been-used-on-energy-not-metro-bus:-Imran- |newspaper=The News International |date=25 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019002135/http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-98381-Funds-should-have-been-used-on-energy-not-metro-bus:-Imran- |archive-date=19 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Lodhran rally: May 11 would prove a day to celebrate, says Imran Khan |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/540587/lodhran-rally-may-11-would-prove-a-day-to-celebrate-says-imran-khan/ |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=26 April 2013 |first=Kashif |last=Zafar |access-date=8 May 2013 |archive-date=30 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430055350/http://tribune.com.pk/story/540587/lodhran-rally-may-11-would-prove-a-day-to-celebrate-says-imran-khan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On the following day, Khan continued his mass campaign in South Punjab. He addressed rallies at Jalalpur Pirwala, Muzaffargarh, Mian Channu, Kabirwala, and Khanewal. He promised to end the system of tyranny and announced that once in power, he would enact laws allowing every village or town to elect its own Station House Officer, believing it would prevent corruption and police brutality. He also promised to eliminate the post of Patwari and establish a computerised and professional land record system.<ref>{{cite news |title=PTI to end system of tyranny: Imran Khan |url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/04/26/news/national/pti-to-end-system-of-tyranny-imran-khan |newspaper=Pakistan Today |date=26 April 2013 |access-date=8 May 2013 |archive-date=1 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501110855/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/04/26/news/national/pti-to-end-system-of-tyranny-imran-khan/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Imran terms 'system of oppression' major problem |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/86391-imran-terms-%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%CB%9Csystem-of-oppression%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%84%A2-major-problem |website=Geo.tv |date=26 April 2013 |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804080152/https://www.geo.tv/latest/86391-imran-terms-%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%CB%9Csystem-of-oppression%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%84%A2-major-problem |url-status=live }}</ref>
Khan concluded his South Punjab campaign by addressing rallies at Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Rajanpur on 27 April. During the campaign, he collectively visited over 25 towns and cities, addressing dozens of rallies and corner meetings. He promised to hold accountable the killers behind the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and stated that the local government system is important for the prosperity of Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Election trail: Imran Khan wraps up a campaign in Seraiki belt |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/541131/election-trail-imran-khan-wraps-up-campaign-in-seraiki-belt |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=27 April 2013 |access-date=8 May 2013 |archive-date=1 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501000009/http://tribune.com.pk/story/541131/election-trail-imran-khan-wraps-up-campaign-in-seraiki-belt/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 April, Khan moved to central Punjab where he addressed large rallies in Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, and Sargodha, promising to bring justice and equality to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Continuing Campaign: PTI to fix Pakistan's ruined system, says Khan |url=http://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2013/04/pti-to-fix-pakistan-s-ruined-system-says-khan/ |publisher=SAMAA TV |date=28 April 2013 |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174353/https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2013/04/pti-to-fix-pakistan-s-ruined-system-says-khan/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 29 April 2013, Khan addressed rallies at Murree, Talagang, Chakwal, Taxila, and Attock.<ref>{{cite news |title=PTI's 'passion' to overwhelm PML-N's 'profusion': Imran Khan |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/86476-ptis-passion-to-overwhelm-pml-ns-profusion-imran-khan |newspaper=GEO TV |date=29 April 2013 |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813112202/https://www.geo.tv/latest/86476-ptis-passion-to-overwhelm-pml-ns-profusion-imran-khan |url-status=live }}</ref> On 30 April, Khan visited his hometown of Mianwali, where he addressed several rallies, criticizing the Bhuttos and Sharifs. He stated, 'You can't lead a revolution from behind bulletproof glass,' and claimed that he had conquered the fear of dying 17 years ago.<ref>{{cite news |title=You can't lead a revolution from behind bullet-proof glass: Imran |url=http://election.dunyanews.tv/index.php/news_detail/171654-You%20cant%20lead%20revolution%20from%20behind%20bullet-proof%20glass:%20Imran |newspaper=Dunya News |date=30 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503090731/http://election.dunyanews.tv/index.php/news_detail/171654-You%20cant%20lead%20revolution%20from%20behind%20bullet-proof%20glass:%20Imran |archive-date=3 May 2013}}</ref> On 1 and 2 March, Khan addressed gatherings in Sibi, Loralai, Zafarwal, Pasrur, Narowal, Jacobabad, and also led a car rally in Rawalpindi.<ref>{{cite news |title=PTI to stop operations in Balochistan: Imran |url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/05/01/news/national/pti-to-stop-operations-in-balochistan-imran/ |newspaper=Pakistan Today |date=1 May 2013 |access-date=8 May 2013 |archive-date=3 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503043412/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/05/01/news/national/pti-to-stop-operations-in-balochistan-imran/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Imran Khan brazen in Pakistan campaign |url=http://www.news24.com/World/News/Imran-Khan-brazen-in-Pakistan-campaign-20130430 |newspaper=News24 |date=30 April 2013 |access-date=8 May 2013 |archive-date=3 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503021509/http://www.news24.com/World/News/Imran-Khan-brazen-in-Pakistan-campaign-20130430 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 3 May, Khan continued his campaign at Battagram, Mansehra, Torghar District, Abbottabad, and Haripur, followed by rallies at Buner District, Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, and Peshawar on 4th, promising to abandon the war on terror.<ref>{{cite news |title=Imran says the change has already come to Pakistan |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-99453-Imran-says-the-change-has-already-come-to-Pakistan |newspaper=The News International |date=3 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019002135/http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-99453-Imran-says-the-change-has-already-come-to-Pakistan |archive-date=19 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Imran Khan reaches out to young voters with 'third-way' in Pakistan's general election |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/03/imran-khan-pakistan-voters |newspaper=The Guardian |date=3 May 2013 |first=Jason |last=Burke |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=8 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908113603/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/03/imran-khan-pakistan-voters |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=PTI to abandon war on terror, if voted to power: Imran |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/812089/pti-to-abandon-war-on-terror-if-voted-to-power-imran |newspaper=Dawn |date=4 May 2013 |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727085309/https://www.dawn.com/news/812089/pti-to-abandon-war-on-terror-if-voted-to-power-imran |url-status=live }}</ref>
thumb|PTI in 2013 Elections by percentage of votes polled Pakistan's 2013 elections took place on 11 May 2013 across the country. The elections resulted in a clear majority for the Pakistan Muslim League (N), a strong rival of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, although PTI managed to surpass the Pakistan Peoples Party as the main opposition to PML-N's candidates in the Punjab Province. PTI's popularity propelled 20 representatives to the Punjab Assembly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nation.com.pk/elections-2013/12-May-2013/tehrik-i-insaf-sweeps-khyber-pakhtunkhwa |title=Tehrik-i-Insaf sweeps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |newspaper=The Nation |date=12 May 2013 |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-date=20 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320045231/http://nation.com.pk/elections-2013/12-May-2013/tehrik-i-insaf-sweeps-khyber-pakhtunkhwa |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/548459/imrans-tsunami-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-lives-up-to-tradition/ |title=Imran's tsunami: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa lives up to tradition |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=13 May 2013 |access-date=14 May 2013 |archive-date=9 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609110528/http://tribune.com.pk/story/548459/imrans-tsunami-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-lives-up-to-tradition/ |url-status=live }}</ref> PTI also emerged as the second-largest party in Karachi.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/548862/ecp-results-show-pti-second-largest-in-karachi/ |title=ECP results show PTI second largest in Karachi |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=14 May 2013 |access-date=14 May 2013 |archive-date=7 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607045635/http://tribune.com.pk/story/548862/ecp-results-show-pti-second-largest-in-karachi/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
According to unofficial results announced by Pakistani media and the Election Commission of Pakistan, Imran Khan, Chairman of PTI, won three of the four constituencies he contested, securing victories in Constituency NA-1, Constituency NA-56, and Constituency NA-71.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pakwatan.com/pakistan-news.php?id=7022 |title=Imran Khan wins from NA-71 Mianwali, NA-1 Peshawar, loses NA-122 Lahore |publisher=Pak Watan |date=12 May 2013 |access-date=14 May 2013 |archive-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021110256/http://www.pakwatan.com/pakistan-news.php?id=7022 |url-status=live }}</ref> PTI won 31 directly elected parliamentary seats, marking a significant increase from the 2002 elections. Nationally, PTI became the third-largest party and the largest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the second-largest in Punjab.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/547893/pti-concedes-defeat-in-pakistan-elections/ |title=PTI concedes defeat in Pakistan elections |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=12 May 2013 |access-date=14 May 2013 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226144844/https://tribune.com.pk/story/547893/pti-concedes-defeat-in-pakistan-elections/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTI defeated all mainstream political parties across the province with mostly new candidates. It secured every seat in Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan district. It is anticipated that PTI will lead a coalition government in the province. However, PTI failed to secure a majority in Punjab and made limited gains in Sindh or Baluchistan. PTI obtained 34 out of 99 seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/548601/provincial-assemblies-as-numbers-add-up-pml-n-shows-strength-in-punjab-pti-holds-kp/ |title=Provincial assemblies: As numbers add up PML-N shows strength in Punjab, PTI holds KP |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=13 May 2013 |access-date=14 May 2013 |archive-date=8 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608063529/http://tribune.com.pk/story/548601/provincial-assemblies-as-numbers-add-up-pml-n-shows-strength-in-punjab-pti-holds-kp/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Apart from Karachi, Sindh was largely overlooked by PTI during much of its election campaign, and this is reflected in the results. The party failed to field candidates in 19 out of Interior Sindh's 40 constituencies. Where it did field candidates, it struggled to surpass the 5% vote benchmark in 18 constituencies. In most of these constituencies, the number of votes received was in the hundreds. PTI's only significant showing in interior Sindh was in the constituencies of NA-228 Umerkot and NA-230 Tharparkar, where the party's vice president, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, has a considerable following through his spiritual Ghousia Jamaat.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tunio |first=Hafeez |title=Qureshi's religious awakening: Sajjada Nashin orders his followers to reorganise themselves |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/298711/qureshis-religious-awakening-sajjada-nashin-orders-his-followers-to-reorganise-themselves/ |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=28 November 2011 |access-date=16 May 2016 |archive-date=4 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604041531/http://tribune.com.pk/story/298711/qureshis-religious-awakening-sajjada-nashin-orders-his-followers-to-reorganise-themselves/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTI formed a governing coalition with the Jamaat-e-Islami and Qaumi Watan parties in 2013. On 13 May 2013, Parvez Khattak was appointed as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 May 2013 |title=Imran Khan's party set to form govt in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/imran-khan-s-party-set-to-form-govt-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-113051400373_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023000626/http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/imran-khan-s-party-set-to-form-govt-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-113051400373_1.html |archive-date=23 October 2013 |access-date=16 May 2013 |work=Business Standard}}</ref> The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Development Advisory Committee includes Asad Umar, Jehangir Khan Tareen, Ali Asghar Khan, Khalid Mehsud, and Rustam Shah Mohmand.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 May 2013 |title=PTI, JI reach deal on forming KP govt |url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/05/14/news/national/pti-ji-reach-deal-on-forming-kp-govt/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129032521/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/05/14/national/pti-ji-reach-deal-on-forming-kp-govt/ |archive-date=29 January 2015 |newspaper=Pakistan Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=15 May 2013 |title=Imran Khan finalises Pervaiz Khattak as next K-P chief minister |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/549877/imran-khan-finalises-pervaiz-khattak-as-next-k-p-chief-minister/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608175229/http://tribune.com.pk/story/549877/imran-khan-finalises-pervaiz-khattak-as-next-k-p-chief-minister/ |archive-date=8 June 2013 |access-date=18 June 2013 |newspaper=The Express Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=29 May 2013 |title=PTI grabs 10 women special seats in KPK |url=http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1190319/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021095740/http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1190319/ |archive-date=21 October 2013 |newspaper=Business Recorder}}</ref>
===2015 Local bodies elections=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! colspan="4" |Electoral performance in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local elections (district seats) |- ! rowspan="2" |Election ! colspan="2" |Seats ! rowspan="2" |Position |- ! # ! ± |- !2015<ref>{{Cite news |title=Official results of KP local government elections announced |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/5365-official-results-of-kp-local-government-elections-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816125855/https://www.geo.tv/latest/5365-official-results-of-kp-local-government-elections-announced |archive-date=16 August 2018 |access-date=2018-08-16 |language=en-US}}</ref> |{{Composition bar|395|1484|hex=#E70A0A}} |{{Unchanged}} |1st |}
=== 2018 general elections === Pakistan's 2018 elections took place on 25 July 2018 nationwide. The elections saw the PTI secure a majority of seats in the National Assembly with 116 seats won. Adding 28 women and 5 Minority seats, the total tally reached 149.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Kriti M |date=18 December 2018 |title=Pakistan general elections 2018: Analysis of results and implications |url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/pakistan-general-elections-2018-analysis-of-results-and-implications-46324 |website=Observer Research Foundation}}</ref> With PTI securing the largest seat share and vote share, it formed a government at the centre in alliance with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML (Q)), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Balochistan National Party (Mengal) (BNP-M), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Awami Muslim League (Pakistan) (AML), and Jamhoori Wattan Party (JWP).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaudhry |first=Fahad |date=2018-07-30 |title=PTI claims it has numbers to form govt at Centre, Punjab |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1423845 |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, PTI secured government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 78 seats, Punjab with 175 seats, and formed an alliance government in Balochistan. Following the elections, Imran Khan was elected as Prime Minister, receiving 176 votes against Shehbaz Sharif's 96 votes. PTI also succeeded in electing its Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser and Qasim Suri respectively. On 4 September 2018, Arif Alvi was elected as the 13th President of Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Syed Ali Shah |author2=Fahad Chaudhry |author3=Hafeezullah Sherani |author4=Arif Malik |date=2018-09-04 |title=PTI's Dr Arif Alvi elected 13th President of Pakistan |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1430542 |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref> PTI nominated Usman Buzdar as Chief Minister of Punjab,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yasif |first=Rana |date=2018-08-19 |title=PTI's Usman Buzdar becomes new Punjab chief minister |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1784399/punjab-assembly-pick-20th-chief-minister |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Mahmood Khan as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,<ref>{{Cite web |agency=APP |author=Arif Hayat |date=2018-08-08 |title=Imran Khan chooses Swat's Mahmood Khan as KP CM nominee |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1425752 |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=DAWN|language=en}}</ref> and Jam Kamal Khan as Chief Minister of Balochistan.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Mohammad Zafar |date=2018-08-18 |title=Jam Kamal elected as Balochistan's CM |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1783765/jam-kamal-khan-elected-balochistan-chief-minister |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> The party also appointed governors: Chaudhry Sarwar as Governor of Punjab, Imran Ismail as Governor of Sindh,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherani |first=Tahir |date=2018-08-24 |title=PTI's Imran Ismail appointed Governor of Sindh |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1428670 |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref> and Shah Farman as Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-16 |title=Shah Farman PTI choice for K-P governor slot |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1782386/shah-farman-pti-choice-k-p-governor-slot |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Prime Minister Imran Khan formed his cabinet, with key positions like Minister of Finance entrusted to Asad Umar and Minister of Foreign Affairs to Shah Mehmood Qureshi.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-08-20 |title=16 ministers from PM Imran Khan's Cabinet sworn-in |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/16-ministers-from-pm-imran-khans-cabinet-sworn-in/articleshow/65470793.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-10-19 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
=== 2024 general elections === Several senior PTI leaders were imprisoned in the run-up to the elections in connection with the May 9 riots, on allegations of inciting violence and participating in attacks on government and military installations, including police stations and the Corps Commander House, Lahore, also known as Jinnah House.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Al Jazeera Staff |title=Long wait for families of PTI leaders jailed over 2023 protests in Pakistan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/3/5/long-wait-for-families-of-pti-leaders-jailed-over-2023-protests-in-pakistan |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> PTI was denied its election symbol after the Election Commission ruled that the party had failed to conduct valid intra-party elections under the Election Act, 2017, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court in the PTI intra-party elections case.<ref>{{citation |title=Election Commission of Pakistan v Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf|publisher=Supreme Court of Pakistan|date=25 January 2024|url=https://www.supremecourt.gov.pk/downloads_judgements/c.p._42_2024_25012024.pdf|access-date=28 January 2026}}</ref>
In January 2024, PTI, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, and the election watchdog Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) raised concerns about pre-poll irregularities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-01 |title=Pakistan's Upcoming Election Under Scrutiny Amid Pre-Poll Rigging Charges |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-upcoming-election-under-scrutiny-amid-pre-poll-rigging-charges-/7421036.html |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> PTI alleged that a crackdown and restrictive measures severely hindered its ability to campaign for the elections.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Campbell |first=Charlie |date=2024-02-09 |title=Pakistan's Military Couldn't Keep Imran Khan Down. Now What? |url=https://time.com/6693147/pakistan-election-results-imran-khan-pti-military/|access-date=2024-08-10 |magazine=TIME |language=en}}</ref> PTI claimed that it had emerged as the single largest party and alleged that results in several constituencies were manipulated, asserting that Form 47 results for 18 National Assembly seats were falsely changed by returning officers, resulting in reduced vote counts for PTI-backed candidates.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-11 |title=PTI alleges Form 47 of 18 NA seats 'falsely changed' by returning officers |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813349|access-date=2024-08-10 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref> PTI-affiliated candidate Yasmin Rashid claimed that she defeated three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in NA-130 Lahore-XIV and alleged that the election results in the constituency were manipulated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jailed Pakistan candidate says she defeated Nawaz Sharif |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2024/2/13/jailed-candidate-says-she-defeated-nawaz-sharif |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> PTI claimed that its backed candidates would have won as many as 180 National Assembly seats in the absence of alleged electoral manipulation, compared with the 93 seats won by PTI-backed candidates.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Pakistan's PTI faces uphill battle as rivals unite, Imran Khan in jail |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/21/out-of-power-whats-next-for-imran-khans-pti-in-pakistan |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> Rehana Dar, a PTI-backed independent candidate, claimed that Khawaja Asif lost the election in NA-71 Sialkot-II according to Form 45, but was declared the winner in Form 47, and challenged the result in court.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-10 |title=Rehana Dar challenges Khwaja Asif's victory in NA-71 |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/10-Feb-2024/rehana-dar-challenges-khwaja-asif-s-victory-in-na-71 |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Presence across provincial assemblies== {| class="sortable wikitable" |- style="text-align:center;" ! rowspan="2"| Provincial assembly ! rowspan="2"| Seats ! colspan="3"| Status |- ! In government ! Single largest party ! Majority/coalition |- | AJK Legislative Assembly | {{Composition bar|19|53|hex=#E70A0A}} | {{No}} | {{Yes}} | Opposition |- | Provincial Assembly of Balochistan | {{Composition bar|0|65|hex=#E70A0A}} | {{N/A}} | {{N/A}} | No presence |- | Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly | {{Composition bar|22|33|hex=#E70A0A}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | Majority |- | Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | {{Composition bar|58|145|hex=#E70A0A}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | Majority |- | Provincial Assembly of Punjab | {{Composition bar|29|371|hex=#E70A0A}} | {{No}} | {{No}} | Opposition |- | Provincial Assembly of Sindh | {{Composition bar|6|168|hex=#E70A0A}} | {{No}} | {{No}} | In Opposition |}
=== Khyber Pakhtunkhwa === {{main|Pervez Khattak Administration|Gandapur ministry}}
In the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTI has ruled with a majority government three times. PTI ruled from 2013 to 2018 under the Pervez Khattak administration, from 2018 to 2023 under Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and from 2024 to the present under the Gandapur ministry.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=PTI |title=Pak's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Assembly session called on Feb 28 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/paks-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-province-assembly-session-called-on-feb-28-2908950 |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>
In the 2024 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial election, Independent candidates allied with PTI won 86 seats.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=PAKP |url=https://www.pakp.gov.pk/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |language=en-US}}</ref> Subsequently, Ali Amin Gandapur was elected as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on PTI's behalf. Out of these 86 seats, 58 are officially recognized as PTI members by the Supreme Court of Pakistan and Election Commission of Pakistan,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Sadozai |first=Irfan |date=2024-07-29 |title=ECP notifies 93 returned MPAs as PTI lawmakers |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1848772 |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref> while the remaining seats are officially Independents.<ref name=":2" />
=== Punjab === In Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, PTI has served as the largest opposition party twice and the ruling majority party once. From 2013 to 2018, PTI served as the largest opposition party with 30 seats and had PTI leader Mehmood-ur-Rasheed as opposition leader.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Downloads/General%20Election%202013/Party%20Position/Party%20Position%20(Provincial%20Assembly).pdf|title=ECP, 2013 Provincial Election Results|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112185513/https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Downloads/General%20Election%202013/Party%20Position/Party%20Position%20(Provincial%20Assembly).pdf |archive-date=12 November 2017 }}</ref> From 2018 to 2022 PTI served as the largest and ruling party in Punjab, with Usman Buzdar as Chief Minister of Punjab. From 2024 to the present PTI is serving as the opposition party in the Punjab Assembly.
In the 2024 Punjab provincial election, Independent candidates allied with PTI won the second-most seats, though the party claims it won the first-most seats without rigging.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raza |first=Syed Irfan |date=2024-02-10 |title=PTI claims victory in Centre, KP and Punjab |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1812970 |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref> Out of this, 29 have been recognized as PTI members by the Supreme Court of Pakistan and Election Commission of Pakistan,<ref name=":3" /> while the remaining seats are officially recognized as members of the Sunni Ittehad Council. PTI nominated Mian Aslam Iqbal for Opposition Leader but has been replaced by Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar temporarily due to threats of an arrest to Iqbal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SIC nominates Bachar as temporary opposition leader in Punjab Assembly |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1170181-sic-nominates-bachar-as-temporary-opposition-leader-in-punjab-pa |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=The News |language=en}}</ref>
=== Sindh === In the southern province of Sindh, PTI has been the largest opposition party once, from 2018 to 2022, with Firdous Shamim Naqvi and Haleem Adil Sheikh as Leader of the Opposition in the Provincial Assembly of Sindh.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-02-14 |title=Firdous Shamim Naqvi resigns as Sindh Assembly Opposition Leader |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/582117-Firdous-Shamim-Naqvi-resigns-Sindh-Assembly-Opposition-Leader |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Dunya News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-27 |title=Haleem Adil Sheikh appointed as new Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/27-Jan-2021/haleem-adil-sheikh-appointed-as-new-opposition-leader-in-sindh-assembly |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}</ref> PTI is currently serving as an opposition party in Sindh since 2024 after PTI-backed members won 10 seats. Out of these, 6 are recognized as PTI and 4 are recognized as members of the Sunni Ittehad Council.<ref name="affiliation">{{Cite web |last=Sadozai |first=Irfan |date=2024-07-29 |title=ECP notifies 93 returned MPAs as PTI lawmakers |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1848772 |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=DAWN|language=en}}</ref> PTI has alleged that 38 Sindh Assembly seats, many of which are in Karachi were rigged in the 2024 Sindh provincial election against it, in favor of MQM-P and PPP.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PTI won 20 NA seats from Karachi, two from Hyderabad, says Haleem |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1160537-pti-won-20-na-seats-from-karachi-two-from-hyderabad-says-haleem |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=The News |language=en}}</ref>
PTI has been found to win most of its seats in Karachi.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-02 |title=PTI overthrew MQM, PPP in Karachi, but can it retain the throne? |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1350136/world |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> It also holds a political alliance with the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) against PPP.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GDA to support PTI for government formation in centre |url=https://www.bexpress.com.pk/2018/08/gda-to-support-pti-for-government-formation-in-centre |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Daily Balochistan Express, Quetta |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-15 |title=PTI voices support for GDA's protest against 'election rigging' |url=https://arynews.tv/pti-voices-support-for-gdas-protest-against-election-rigging/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=ARY NEWS |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Controversies== ===Foreign funding case=== {{main|PTI foreign funding case}}
Imran Khan was arrested due to the case, and Pakistani court rejected a petition by PTI.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-02 |title=Pakistani court rejects petition by ex-PM Khan's party in foreign funding case |url=https://arab.news/gttvk |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=Arab News PK |language=en}}</ref>
===Protests and civil disobedience=== PTI launched its first dharna on 14 August 2014. The party was involved in laying siege and paralyzing the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, to stop the Government from functioning. PTI was charged with targeting Pakistan Television and parliament, as well as law enforcement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/13-Nov-2014/pti-worker-involved-in-attacks-on-ptv-and-parliament-house-get-bail|title=PTI worker involved in attacks on PTV and Parliament House gets bail|newspaper=The Nation|date=13 November 2014|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103093750/http://nation.com.pk/national/13-Nov-2014/pti-worker-involved-in-attacks-on-ptv-and-parliament-house-get-bail|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1205354/atc-directs-police-arrest-imran-qadri-ptv-attack-case/|title=ATC directs police to arrest Imran, Qadri in PTV attack case|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=21 October 2016|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103002353/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1205354/atc-directs-police-arrest-imran-qadri-ptv-attack-case/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/PTV-attack-case-Pakistan-court-directs-police-to-arrest-Imran-Khan-others/articleshow/54973515.cms|title=PTV attack case: Pakistan court directs police to arrest Imran Khan, others|newspaper=The Times of India|date=21 October 2016|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=7 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407071932/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/PTV-attack-case-Pakistan-court-directs-police-to-arrest-Imran-Khan-others/articleshow/54973515.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The party founder, Imran Khan, burned his utility bills to encourage participants to join his protest against rising electricity prices.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1133132|title=Imran Khan joins civil disobedience movement, burns power bill|date=20 September 2014|newspaper=Dawn|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103003737/http://www.dawn.com/news/1133132|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Justice Wajihuddin tribunal=== PTI's former leader and head of the party's election tribunal investigated corruption and fraud, as well as internal election rigging within PTI. His tribunal expelled Secretary-General Jahangir Tareen, PTI's KPK Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, and senior leader Nadir Laghari for manipulating intra-party polls. It also reported fraud in party funds.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1188490|title=PTI tribunal 'punishes' party stalwarts|date=16 June 2015|newspaper=Dawn|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103003402/http://www.dawn.com/news/1188490|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/284554-PTI-election-tribunal-orders-to-expel-Jahangir-Tar|title=PTI election tribunal orders to expel Jahangir Tareen, Nadir Leghari|publisher=Dunya News|date=16 June 2015|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=21 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421072254/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/284554-PTI-election-tribunal-orders-to-expel-Jahangir-Tar|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1194597|title=Wajih-led tribunal reports misuse of funds, divisions within PTI|date=15 July 2015|newspaper=Dawn|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=3 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203060840/http://www.dawn.com/news/1194597|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, Wajihuddin was expelled from the party by Imran Khan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1198553|title=Imran Khan suspends Justice (r) Wajihuddin's PTI membership|date=5 August 2015|newspaper=Dawn|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103165146/http://www.dawn.com/news/1198553|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Attacks on journalists and harassment of women by alleged PTI supporters=== PTI supporters have been reported to have attacked media personnel during their protest demonstrations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ifex.org/pakistan/2014/12/17/protest_demonstrations/|title=Media teams attacked while covering protest demonstrations in Pakistan|work=IFEX|agency=Pakistan Press Foundation|date=17 December 2014|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=9 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409201043/http://www.ifex.org/pakistan/2014/12/17/protest_demonstrations/|url-status=live}}</ref> Several female journalists have reported harassment by party workers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1151213|title=5 awful responses to Sana Mirza's harassment at the PTI rally|date=16 December 2014|newspaper=Dawn|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103003358/http://www.dawn.com/news/1151213|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/642265-pti-attacks-on-journalists-a-result-of-what-imran-says-on-stage|title=PTI attacks on journalists a result of what Imran says on stage|newspaper=The News International|date=16 December 2014|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103093948/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/642265-pti-attacks-on-journalists-a-result-of-what-imran-says-on-stage|url-status=live}}</ref> The harassment of women has also been reported at PTI's gatherings.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1191011/curbing-harrassment-womens-safety-pti-goes-extra-mile/|title=Curbing harassment: For women's safety, PTI goes the extra mile|date=30 September 2016|newspaper=The Express Tribune|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103003307/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1191011/curbing-harrassment-womens-safety-pti-goes-extra-mile/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://channel24.pk/highlights/2016/05/03/women-harassment-at-pti-rally-caught-on-camera/|title=Women harassment at PTI rally caught on camera|date=3 May 2016|website=24 News HD|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=10 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410053533/http://channel24.pk/highlights/2016/05/03/women-harassment-at-pti-rally-caught-on-camera/|url-status=live}}</ref>
During PTI's public protests, Geo News DSNGs had to remove their stickers to escape vandalism by party workers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/119378-PTI-workers-attack-Geo-News-DSNG-van-in-Swabi|title=PTI workers attack Geo News' DSNG van in Swabi|website=Geo.tv|date=1 November 2016|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103004547/https://www.geo.tv/latest/119378-PTI-workers-attack-Geo-News-DSNG-van-in-Swabi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/161677-PTI-workers-attack-Geo-TV-DSNG-near-Burhan|title=PTI workers attack Geo TV DSNG near Burhan|newspaper=The News International|date=2 November 2016|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103094018/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/161677-PTI-workers-attack-Geo-TV-DSNG-near-Burhan|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cpu.org.uk/uncategorized/media-teams-attacked-while-covering-protest-demonstrations-in-pakistan/|title=Media teams attacked while covering protest demonstrations in Pakistan|work=CPU Media Trust|date=18 December 2014|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103013138/http://cpu.org.uk/uncategorized/media-teams-attacked-while-covering-protest-demonstrations-in-pakistan/|url-status=live}}</ref> PTI workers also attacked the Geo News Islamabad office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/74931-pti-workers-attack-geo-news-islamabad-office|title=PTI workers attack Geo News Islamabad office|website=Geo.tv|date=14 September 2014|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103004458/https://www.geo.tv/latest/74931-pti-workers-attack-geo-news-islamabad-office|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Allegations of conspiracy to dissolve government using judiciary=== PTI's former president, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, has alleged that Imran Khan was conspiring with the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Nasirul Mulk. to dissolve the government of Nawaz Sharif.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1305784/disgruntled-elements-in-army-wanted-to-destroy-parliament-through-imran-khan-javed-hashmi|title=Hashmi says Imran conspired with 'disgruntled elements in the army' during 2014 sit-in|date=2 January 2017|newspaper=Dawn|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103201323/http://www.dawn.com/news/1305784/disgruntled-elements-in-army-wanted-to-destroy-parliament-through-imran-khan-javed-hashmi|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Accusation of anti-state violence=== {{Further information|May 9 riots|2023 Pakistani protests|Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party}} Following the arrest of Imran Khan on 9 May 2023, the supporters and workers of PTI allegedly targeted Pakistan Army's installations.<ref name="cnn">{{cite news |title=Protesters are turning on Pakistan's military after Imran Khan's arrest. Here's what you need to know |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/11/asia/imran-khan-pakistan-political-explainer-intl-hnk/index.html |work=CNN |date=11 May 2023 |access-date=23 May 2023 |archive-date=23 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523141555/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/11/asia/imran-khan-pakistan-political-explainer-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The protesters broke into the regional commander's house in Lahore and burned the building. They also attempted to enter GHQ's gate in Rawalpindi. In Peshawar, the building of Radio Pakistan was set on fire by the protesters, who also shouted slogans against the army and military officials. However, Imran Khan and his party denied their involvement in the violence and accused secret agencies of framing the party for anti-army violence.<ref name="al jazeera">{{cite news |last1=Hussain |first1=Abid |title='Who isn't condemning?': Imran Khan on attacks on Pakistan army |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/19/imran-khan-condemns-attacks-on-pakistan-army-as-pti-leaders-quit |work=Al Jazeera |date=19 May 2023 |access-date=23 May 2023 |archive-date=23 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523055207/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/19/imran-khan-condemns-attacks-on-pakistan-army-as-pti-leaders-quit |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="gulf news">{{cite news |title=Former Pakistan prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan arrested, sparking violence |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/former-pakistan-prime-minister-and-pti-chief-imran-khan-arrested--sparking-violence-1.95643830 |work=Gulf News |date=9 May 2023 |access-date=23 May 2023 |archive-date=23 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523022702/https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/former-pakistan-prime-minister-and-pti-chief-imran-khan-arrested--sparking-violence-1.95643830 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=GHQ attack case: All set to hand over investigation to army |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2417348/ghq-attack-case-all-set-to-hand-over-investigation-to-army |work=The Express Tribune |date=18 May 2023 |access-date=23 May 2023 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521211436/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2417348/ghq-attack-case-all-set-to-hand-over-investigation-to-army |url-status=live }}</ref>
Reportedly, thousands of PTI workers have been arrested due to their alleged involvement in violent attacks on government institutions across the country after 9 May.<ref>{{cite news |title=Over 2000 PTI leaders and workers arrested in Punjab |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/21/over-2000-pti-leaders-and-workers-arrested-in-punjab/ |work=Pakistan Today |date=21 May 2023 |access-date=23 May 2023 |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522170350/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/21/over-2000-pti-leaders-and-workers-arrested-in-punjab/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=119 PTI workers arrested |url=https://pakobserver.net/119-pti-workers-arrested/ |work=Pakistan Observer |date=14 May 2023 |access-date=23 May 2023 |archive-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524163413/https://pakobserver.net/119-pti-workers-arrested/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In response to the attacks, the Pakistan Army called 9 May a dark chapter in the country's history and claimed that PTI "has done what enemies could not do in 75 years."<ref>{{cite news |title='An example of hypocrisy': Army declares violence in wake of Imran's arrest a 'black chapter' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1752071 |work=Dawn |date=10 May 2023 |access-date=9 June 2023 |archive-date=9 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609023008/https://www.dawn.com/news/1752071 |url-status=live }}</ref> Meanwhile, PTI alleges that the incidents of 9 May were a false flag operation designed by the Pakistani establishment to disintegrate PTI and frame Imran Khan.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Imran Khan warns that Pakistan's election could be a farce |url=https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2024/01/04/imran-khan-warns-that-pakistans-election-could-be-a-farce |access-date=2024-01-26 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126121138/https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2024/01/04/imran-khan-warns-that-pakistans-election-could-be-a-farce |url-status=live }}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|Pakistan|Politics}} * Politics of Pakistan * List of political parties in Pakistan * List of student federations of Pakistan * List of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPs
==References== {{notelist}} {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==Bibliography== {{refbegin}} * {{cite book|editor-last1=Mufti|editor-first1=Mariam|editor-last2=Siddiqui|editor-first2=Niloufer|editor-last3=Shafqat|editor-first3=Sahar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KWPdDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA60|title=Pakistan's Political Parties: Surviving Between Dictatorship and Democracy|date=May 2020|publisher=Georgetown University Press|pages=60–73|isbn=978-1-62616-772-8|access-date=29 January 2026}} * {{cite book|last1=Shah|first1=Sikander Ahmed|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gekFEQAAQBAJ&pg=PA315|title=Federalist Solutions to Pakistan's Political Crises|pages=315|date=30 April 2024|publisher=Lexington Books|isbn=978-1-6669-5546-0|access-date=2 February 2026}} {{refend}}
==Further reading== * {{citation | last=Kundi | first=Abdul Quayyum Khan Kundi | title=Islamic Social Contract | year=2012 | isbn=978-1479183081 | page=126| publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform }} * {{citation | last=Talbot | first=Ian | title=Pakistan: a modern history | year=1998 | publisher=Palgrave Macmillan | isbn=0-312-21606-8 | page=432 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZBs0HdpKuaQC| access-date=22 June 2010}} * The News International February 22, 2023 [https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1043034-elahi-joins-pti-named-central-president Pervaiz Elahi Joins PTI Named Central President] retrieved 25 February 2023
==External links== {{commons}} * [https://insaf.pk/press-release/election-2024-manifesto PTI Manifesto] * [https://www.youtube.com/@TEHREEKeINSAFP YouTube site]
{{Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf}} {{Pakistani political parties}} {{Pakistan topics}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Category:1996 establishments in Pakistan Category:Islamic democratic political parties Category:Nationalist parties in Pakistan Category:Social democratic parties in Pakistan Category:Islamic political parties in Pakistan