The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is currently experiencing internal tensions following its Secretary General, Salman Akram Raja’s, public reprimand of Punjab Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza on July 16, 2025.
Raja criticised Hamza’s recent social media post, questioning her exclusion from a recent meeting of parliamentarians in Lahore, and cautioned against similar remarks in the future. Senate Parliamentary Leader Syed Ali Zafar emphasised the need for calm communication, acknowledging the oversight in the invitation process and apologising on behalf of the party. This incident sheds light on the ongoing coordination challenges within PTI, particularly in Punjab.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Raja stated that Hamza should not have tweeted about the Lahore event. “Aliya Hamza’s job is to mobilise Punjab; let her do her job. Aliya Hamza’s job is not to tweet,” he said. He emphasised that attendance at the event was voluntary and warned that similar posts would not be tolerated.
سلمان اکرم راجا کا لہجہ دیکھیے ، مجھے عالیہ حمزہ سے کسی قسم کی ہمدردی نہیں لیکن جس ٹون میں یہ فرعون نما شخص کسی خاتون کو مخاطب کر رہا ہے وہ قابل مذمت ہی نہیں قابل نفرت بھی ہے۔اندازہ کریں یہ ایک پارٹی کا جنرل سیکرٹری ہے۔
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— WAQAR SATTI 🇵🇰 (@waqarsatti) July 15, 2025Raja attended the event because of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s presence, noting that a solo press conference by the Chief Minister would have seemed inappropriate. He added that mistakes require apologies, but direct outreach is not always necessary.
Read:Aleema Khan Praises Unity Amid Aliya Hamza Protest Dispute
On Geo News’ Capital Talk, Senator Zafar reacted to Raja’s clip, advising restraint in tone. “No one has the right to speak in such a loud way, even if there is a need to criticise,” he said. He stressed the importance of party unity under Imran Khan’s ideology and apologised for not inviting Hamza, calling it a “significant lapse.” Zafar validated her grievance, noting her availability and the importance of her role.
He urged emotional control: “When emotions run high, it’s crucial to take a step back, calm down, and then engage in a thoughtful conversation.”
