Aqeel Malik Highlights Differences Within PTI Leadership Over Announced Protest
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Sep, 2026) Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, on Thursday stated differing statements from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders at the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa levels indicated a lack of coordination within the party, raising questions about the nature of its announced protest.
Speaking to a private tv channel, Aqeel Malik said some members of the PTI’s current leadership were advocating dialogue, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister was speaking in favour of protests through aggressive statements and aggravating the situation. He noted that this divergence of opinions underscored internal tensions within the party.
The government, he added, would not allow any activity that could undermine law and order, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining peace. Authorities, according to Malik, would deal with any violations in accordance with the law. He also mentioned constitutional options as a potential way forward.
Malik further stressed that the government had never ruled out the option of negotiations, pointing out that PTI leaders had previously walked away from dialogue processes. He alleged that the PTI had been involved in protests causing disruption for residents in the past and expressed concern about the potential involvement of extremist groups in the upcoming protest, which could create additional law-and-order challenges.
In response to a question, Malik raised worries about the possibility of external influences exploiting the situation for their agendas.