Junaid Akbar quits PTI parliamentary setup, announcing his decision to relinquish his National Assembly seat and continue his political role as an independent. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader cited persistent frustration over being denied the opportunity to speak in the National Assembly.
Akbar, who serves as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president, shared his decision in the party’s parliamentary WhatsApp group. He said he would approach the National Assembly speaker on Saturday and formally submit a letter requesting a separate seat.
The lawmaker also confirmed the authenticity of an audio recording attributed to him that had circulated earlier. “My patience has run out,” Akbar said, adding that he would no longer sit with PTI members or remain part of the party’s parliamentary committee.
He stated that he no longer recognised the authority of the parliamentary leader or the chief whip. Akbar criticised what he described as an unfair system in which the same members were repeatedly given the floor, while others were limited to desk-thumping.
“Is there no method, no humanity left?” he asked, saying the party’s decency was being mistaken for weakness. He argued that meaningful voices within the party were being sidelined.
جنید اکبر کا پی ٹی آئی کی
سیٹ چھوڑنے کا اعلان pic.twitter.com/8McjkYEPmQ
— Geo News Urdu (@geonews_urdu) February 9, 2026Junaid Akbar Quits PTI Parliamentary Setup Amid Growing Rift
Akbar alleged that members who raised serious issues were deliberately ignored. These included concerns related to terrorism and the absence of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi from the House. He claimed that the same faces were allowed to speak daily, while others were silenced.
He said he had been allowed to speak only once since last Ramadan, including during the budget session. According to Akbar, even his own party colleagues prevented him from speaking because of his blunt, outspoken stance.
“I am no longer part of this parliamentary party or of you people,” he said, reiterating that he would now engage directly with the National Assembly speaker and proceed independently.
Read: PTI Junaid Akbar’s Audio Leak Sparks Internal Rift in Parliamentary Group
The development comes as PTI continues to face internal divisions. The former ruling party has struggled with rifts for months, with the latest disagreements reportedly linked to its February 8 protest strategy.
The Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-Pakistan announced a countrywide shutdown strike on February 8. The date marks the second anniversary of the 2024 general elections, which PTI maintains were rigged.
Sharp differences reportedly surfaced during a PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa parliamentary committee meeting held to finalise the protest plan. Akbar was among those who openly expressed reservations.
He claimed the PTI leadership was attempting to appease multiple stakeholders at once. Akbar also alleged pressure involving figures close to party founder Imran Khan, including his sister Aleema Khan.
The episode highlights growing strains within PTI’s parliamentary ranks. It also raises questions about internal decision-making and representation as the party navigates ongoing political challenges.
