Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has announced his decision to resign from the party post, citing an incident that “requires a blunt decision".
He, however, pledged to continue offering legal support to the party without compensation.
Request to step down rejected earlier
Raja revealed that he had earlier sent a request to PTI founder Imran Khan through Advocate Ali Bukhari, asking to be relieved of his responsibilities as secretary general so he could focus solely on legal matters. However, the request was turned down, with Khan expressing full trust in him.
پچھلے منگل میں نے علی بخاری ایڈووکیٹ کے ذریعے عمران خان صاحب کو درخواست بھیجی تھی کہ پارٹی ممبران کو بے تحاشہ ناحق سزاؤں کے پیش نظر مجھے سیکرٹری جنرل کے عہدے سے ہٹ کر قانونی معاملات پر توجہ مرکوز کرنے دی جائے۔ خان صاحب نے میری درخواست منظور نہ کی۔ میں انکے اعتماد پر شکر گزار ہوں۔
— salman akram raja (@salmanAraja) August 25, 2025
Principled stand
In a detailed message shared on social media, Raja emphasized that his decision was based on principles of intellectual and economic integrity, stressing that he could not accept compromise on these values.
“My life is an open book, and none of my actions contradict any principle,” he wrote. “I am not a traditional politician, neither a landlord nor a mill owner. However, my small family stands firmly with me.”
Legal services to continue
Despite stepping down from the political post, Raja assured party workers and supporters that he would continue to provide legal services free of cost.
He highlighted his role in defending PTI in several high-profile cases, including the challenges to military courts, reserved seats, and constitutional battles. Raja said he was proud to have contributed to the struggle for the supremacy of law, democracy, and the Constitution.
Journey from law to politics
Reflecting on his career, Raja noted his legal battles for the rights of workers, pensioners, and against military interference in politics. He said he entered the political arena during PTI’s turmoil on Khan’s instructions, aiming to strengthen the democratic struggle. He also acknowledged facing over 20 terrorism-related cases for standing with the party, adding that he accepted such hardships without regret.
Raja confirmed he will formally submit his resignation to Imran Khan, but reiterated that his commitment to PTI’s legal defense remains unchanged.
