Shireen Mazari resigns, alleges PTI hijacked by 'big money'

E-Paper | March 03, 2026

Photo shows former Director General Institute of Strategic Studies Dr Shireen M Mazari speaking at a public event in Islamabad.—Photo by ONLINE

ISLAMABAD: Central Vice President of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Dr Shireen Mazari on Wednesday resigned from her basic party membership, citing differences “purely based on political issues”.

In messages posted on social media website Twitter, Mazari said: “I have given in my resignation from PTI. I regretfully resign as people had real hopes with PTI.”

“Not leaving PTI for any other party, purely based on political issues,” said Mazari in her messages. “Party program has been taken over by ‘big money’. The membership drive was hijacked by ‘big money’. This has compromised the party elections.”

Mazari was also incharge of Foreign Policy for the PTI. The renowned analyst was served a notice by the party leadership after reportedly giving statements against PTI’s policies.

“I haven’t left the ideology the party has departed from the ideology. My resignation is not based on personal differences rather on policy and governance issues. I am ready to serve PTI again if the party lives up to its principles,” added Mazari in further tweets clarifying her resignation.

“Let me make it clear yes I was served a show cause notice & my resignation came after due deliberation. I was NOT suspended from the party,” she added, clarifying her position.

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Gazoo Martian

Sep 26, 2012 01:36pm

PTI will be better off. Personally I do not think she was a big asset to the party. She was a big disappointment in talk shows. May also be true that other parties or the US thru PPP govt have infiltrated into party causing 'unrest' because of IK's clear stance against the drone and severing from America's war for terror. An honest and patriotic leader of Pakistan CAN BE a digestion problem the US, because they want a SLAVE.

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M.Akmal Khan

Sep 26, 2012 12:03pm

The unsatisfiction of core members is not a good sign for PTI.

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Saeed

Sep 26, 2012 04:06pm

It's a shame, Dr. Mazari was a stalwart and founding member of the party. She was and probably still is, a champion of the oppressed and suffering masses of Pakistan. She has always been direct and above board on all matters related to the safety and security of this county. To lose someone as dedicated as her should be a big blow to the party.. I feel sad that this party on which we had such hopes is turning out to be another run of the mill party of elites. The one percent deciding the fate of the ninety nine.

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Iftikhar Husain

Sep 26, 2012 11:02am

Weare waiting clarification from PTI we hope it comes soon.

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Khan Jee (@thinkhired1)

Sep 27, 2012 07:15am

We should not be hopeless, i think Shireen Mazari will come and i am sure that PTI especially Imran Khan will change his attitude toward their workers. I think PTI is our last hope and we will definitly vote to PTI instead of several obligations.

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zeeshan

Sep 26, 2012 11:54am

I don't know why people are criticizing Imran Khan before coming into power !! The point is let Imran Khan come into power for once and than decide who is good and who is bad.. IK is better than any other politician in Pakistan.

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aamer

Sep 26, 2012 11:53am

what I don't quite understand is how much it matters to people when someone leaves PTI, although the quitter might in no way be a political stalwart and their claim to fame was mostly based on their association with the rising movement. When I see and hear the pessimists trying to discount, disfigure PTI on the grounds that it is giving air to idealism, I feel sad. They want us to believe that nothing will change here. Well, even if it is so, why not bring PTI in power rather than languishing the same way with those powers who definitely arn't going to change.

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Mahgul

Sep 26, 2012 11:49am

A competent lady left PTI... Sad news.

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huzaifa zia

Sep 26, 2012 11:17am

it's a very sad news indeed. IK should do something about these dissatisfied fellows other wise he might loose his influence over the party.

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Salman

Sep 26, 2012 02:15pm

Rashid bhai... Maybe you missed the latest policy on health PTI presented this week. Its on PTI website, along with all the others they presented so far :)

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sajjad

Sep 26, 2012 11:06am

Guys at PTI think long and hard. Stick to the core values. Your only differentiator from others is that you are a party based on morals and principles, if you lose that you are just another party and you will surely lose the next elections.

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Harris Badar

Sep 26, 2012 11:35am

Those who think Imran Khan has swerved from his ideology, sadly they don

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sajid

Sep 26, 2012 12:42pm

good decision i suppose !! Pti don't need old faces, they promise change and they gotta do it with new faces. PTI will have to carve in new political Gods.

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kdspirited

Sep 26, 2012 01:13pm

Imran khan has long been accused of being too idealistic by the same group, Media, politiciains and some of his worst critics. A party goes through an evolution and has to ensure it can accept the realities on the ground. Although I respect Ms Mazari's judgement but the realities on the ground are PTI has to win this election and for that they may have to bring in people who are less than ideal as long as they stick to the ideology of the party and come into PTI on party terms. They are not going to please or get along with everyone. Some of them being the core members of PTI. In a storm if you are not ready to bend you should be ready to break.

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Ather K

Sep 26, 2012 01:56pm

Democracy first principal is where majority has authority and the policy which is approved by the majority should be respected even by a single vote. A party member driving its own policies are non democratic person and success lies in the team work and not in big or small money.

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B. Ally

Sep 26, 2012 03:12pm

Kaaptan is expert in using people for his ends. Once his ends are met he does not even cares to thank. As Mazari has been dumped unceremoniously there will be many others in the queue in exchange for Big Money.

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Khan Jee

Sep 26, 2012 10:44am

I think she is very sad from Imran Khan, she did nothing wrong and i think she has a great efforts for PTI, but due to the Imran Khan's attitude she leave the party. as a PTI worker i am very sad too. But once again i request to Imran Khan to please change your attitude towards the worker and your colleagues.

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Dr. A. K. Dogar

Sep 26, 2012 10:52am

Imran Khan fans, wake up

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Umair Khalid

Sep 26, 2012 10:57am

hmm..does it matter? Pakistani Awam will never gain anything, whosoever resigns or becomes a member of any party!

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wizarat

Sep 26, 2012 03:47pm

The US wants Gen Musarraf to be President again with Imran Khan as the Prime Minister and they are moving the pieces in Place for a while. Good job Dr. Mazari

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imran

Sep 26, 2012 07:30pm

Who cares. As long as Imran Khan stays in PTI it'll be fine. However if ever Imran Khan leaves the party then we are in trouble.

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Asad Faizi

Sep 26, 2012 04:31pm

All these people leaving PTI are actually running away from intra-party elections. I have a lot of respect for Ms. Mazari, but she has never contested an election in her life. She seem uncertain to win the intra-party elections and a nomination for seat in general elections. It is unfortunate that even people of such caliber and esteem find so hard to accept democratic norms, and insist on entitlements.

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Yawar

Sep 26, 2012 04:53pm

Your party leaders criticise Imran Khan as well. However, they are more subtle and shrewed in their criticism.

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Mohammad Saeed

Sep 26, 2012 04:59pm

Good decision. Alas PTI was our last hope and no other option is sight.

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Shahrukh Khan

Sep 26, 2012 05:06pm

Look this is true Democratic sprit of PTI party and its member. PTI is growing faster then any other Pakistani political party. It is regretful that DR Shireen decided to leave. PTI for sure acknowledges her work and support she has provided over the years. In my view once PTI come in power and Imran becomes the Prime Minister you will find many old faces return to support him Keep up the good work PTI. As long as PTI is focus on removing corruption, illiteracy and implement rule of law for law, Insha ALLAH Pakistan will shine under Imran's leader ship. ALLAH bless Pakistan and keep it save from Pakistan

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Yawar

Sep 26, 2012 05:06pm

I would request Shireen Mazari to specify the reasons for her resignation to allow the people of Pakistan to judge the matter. Making vague statements like "big money" has jeopedized party elections does not help. We all know Imran Khan is an honest and unbiased person. Pakistan may have other good honest regional leaders. But none that can unify the country and make a big dent in rectifying the corrupt practices of bribery and nepotism that is rampant in Pakistan and the main reason for our current deplorable situation.

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Rafia Mirza

Sep 26, 2012 05:09pm

did the CHANGE mean changing its OWN loyal members who were there right from day one, ?

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Rafia Mirza

Sep 26, 2012 05:11pm

Pakistanis were hoping the change would be in the people who have been running the country & brought it to this deplorable state

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Rao

Sep 26, 2012 05:14pm

Imran Khan is getting spoiled by all the praise and attention of media and people of Pakistan. His ability to think in right direction is getting hurt day by day. I might again not vote at all if Imran proves to be just another politician at the end.

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Muhammad Omer Khan

Sep 26, 2012 09:58pm

I hope Imran Khan wins some major seats this time, he's getting old, and he really can serve this country politically, he has the ability and the will.

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BEA

Sep 26, 2012 10:08pm

Are you not suppose to stand up for what you believe in, if you do not agree with what is being said in your party you stand upa nd fight for your rights not just give up and walk away she cannot be mush of a politician then can she.

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mirza

Sep 26, 2012 10:09pm

PTI has disappointed everybody by the leadership's ambiguous attitude towards terrorism and economy. They have not presented , to my knowledge , any concrete plans as to how they will stop corruption, cut expenses and the size of the government. Hats off to Mazari for taking a bold step.

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Shahid

Sep 26, 2012 01:35pm

Ms. Mazari has taken a just and timely decision not caring for the position she held in the party but for the ideology. Bravo.

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Shahzeb Shaikh

Sep 27, 2012 04:35am

good descission. atleast let people know where Mr khan, Pti leading to.

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Bilal

Sep 26, 2012 04:22pm

With Shah mehmood qureshi, sardar asif ahmed ali, kasuri, leghari and the likes in your midst you can't claim of challenging let alone changing the status quo. Exactly why I also gave up on PTI.

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Jahanzeb

Sep 27, 2012 04:50am

Very right decision mam Mazari.PTI is now feudal's party.IK hijacked

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iqal

Sep 26, 2012 11:36pm

Unfortunately,in politics,big money makes the mare go.That;s the reason Imran is hesitant to commit accountibilty in firm words,whereas,nation is expecting accountibilty of all previous corrupt parties.Mr.Imran,we know the task is uphill,but seems nation is willing to give you a try.Bon voyage.

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sami

Sep 26, 2012 12:36pm

What we can Say: Because of the situation around the country...............

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Zia

Sep 27, 2012 05:52am

I use to pin great hopes from political parties before elections and got disappointed after the election but I case of PTI it different. Our hopes are being tarnished even before election.

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Adeel Khalid

Sep 26, 2012 12:34pm

Sad News ! A dark day for PTI.

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M. Alvi

Sep 26, 2012 11:43am

People love Imran Khan's approach and attitude. What are you asking him to change?

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PTI

Sep 26, 2012 01:50pm

People such as Mazari want positions and party tickets. They have been removed from the party offices due to intra-party elections. This I think what was troubling her. These are the people who think PTI is their property etc. Lets hope for the best and expect them to return.

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Umer

Sep 26, 2012 12:29pm

Sad to hear that Shireen Mazari is leaving PTI... But from outside I really can't see how PTI has drifted from its ideology. Its principals are the same from Day 1, if someone has problem with the corrupt people joining the PTI - Intra party elections is the very reason that such corrupts are excluded by members vote. I do not understand what she means by Big money... Is she accusing Imran khan or other party leaders of taking money from someone ? Few rumors are that before SMQ she was IKs candidate for Foreign minister and now her chances are slim. Cant say for sure.

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D k khan

Sep 26, 2012 12:31pm

I had a short interaction with Shireen Mazari in 1991. I found her to be a very intelligent, bold and an articulate person. This is a big loss to PTI as she had a strong grasp and knowledge of Interas national affairs. A person who could boldly look into the eyes of her compatriot and say "Look man call a spade a spade and dont try beating around the bush".

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rashid

Sep 26, 2012 11:22am

The resignation of Shireen Mazari exposed the dual face of PTI. I am not a supporter of PTI but still want to give them some advises; be practical, accept reality and don't do promises that you can not keep; and yes last but not the least, instead of just criticizing politicians, start suggesting solutions to the real problems our country is facing.

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Amer

Sep 26, 2012 11:48am

Its sad indeed, but Imran Khan should be weary of the so called money making politicians, who have never anything within their own community so what will they acheive PTI. There should be an independent body to audit PTI of all top party members. It seems only 13 members have submitted there tax returns, so why not every one!.....lets get to grips now or else we forget any sunami....wakeup guys!

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Ashiq

Sep 27, 2012 11:43am

Saying that PTI is a our last hope is so dejecting. There will be many many more hopes beyond PTI. The world is always full of possibilities. This type of pessimism makes people commit mistakes

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Hamid Mirza

Sep 27, 2012 11:47am

You are very very wrong about MQM.

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Saima

Sep 27, 2012 06:59am

I agree with you PTI is leaving her agenda, and you were the most senior and valuable asset for PTI. Mr. Imran should think twice to accept your resignation. Greedy and party leavers are full of other parties. This is the time to save Pakistan from People party, Punjab from N-League, karachi from MQM and KPK from ANP. Criminals have been ruling and destroying Pakistan.

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Majority

Sep 27, 2012 07:41am

I double that

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Majority

Sep 27, 2012 07:43am

This should make us sit up and think! A party is not a party if it is dependent on One person....why Imran Khan only? The party should invoke a disgust with the lethargy and mundane visionaries that Pakistan has suffered under the past 3 decades. We are surely in need of more than one Imran Khan!

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Khan Jee (@thinkhired1)

Sep 27, 2012 08:17am

I am 100% agreed with you this is not just a cricket team to in or out some players. As i mention in my previous comments that What she did wrong, Is her mistake to say in jalsa why Imran Khan has not arrived?. Just these words and after that she never come on Media, and right now i see her interview on several news channels and she still not criticizing Imran Khan, She also told that Imran Khan is a great man, and the other side if you watch the news conference of Imran Khan and message to Shireen Mazari saying i saw in Holy Quran that "ap apne kisi khatarnak dushman se bi itni nafrat na karo k ap unse insaf na kar sako", these are the correct words that he told, so now the question is Is he done Insaf with Shireen Mazari??????????

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Khan Jee (@thinkhired1)

Sep 27, 2012 08:20am

You are right my friend, there is no other leaders who can care PTI, but we are still an hope in the shape of Imran Khan, but nowadays we seeing disappointment decisions from Imran Khan as well. I think he should change his mind towards their workers.

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Khan Jee (@thinkhired1)

Sep 27, 2012 08:26am

So, what if she demanding ticket? She has a lot sacrifies so PTI should award a ticket to her, actually this is not the matter, the matter is Imran Khan's bad attitude, believe me i especially love Imran Khan instead of things happening like this, but nowadays he is completely ignoring every worker and he is much going to selfish, so please i request to Khan sahib, to please change your attitude towards the workers, becos we have a lot of expectations.

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arif

Sep 26, 2012 11:02pm

New Political Gods ike Javed Hashmi and Shah Mehmood Qureshi sitting right and left of imran Khan in every press conference

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Salim Khan

Sep 26, 2012 11:12pm

Shireen Mazari was good for nothing. Great to hear that she is out from PTI. A process of filtering out the non committed from PTI has started now. There will be so many more to filter through, as corrupt people has no place in the party.

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Nostradamus

Sep 26, 2012 11:15pm

I think they'll reach an agreement . . . and she'll be back . . .

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mansooor

Sep 26, 2012 11:23pm

Rather a hasty decision. SM-Do not try to be a perfectionist.

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saythetruth

Sep 27, 2012 01:27am

You simply don't leave a party because of minor difference but major policy issue but since we don't know what she was dealing with hard to say if it is good or bad decesion. PTI is new party she should have worked within the party to make difference. Simply leaving and issuing a statement is not right you have to work for years to gain trust of people. PTI is new party people will come and go but as long as Imran Khan stays on track and continue to bring quality people PTI should do well in next election.

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True Pakistani

Sep 26, 2012 06:01pm

- people talk of elections as if elections will fix every evil in this land not realizing that parties already has the ballot boxes stuffed with the names of those who died years ago. sharifs may not be too far behind. don't forget this is Pakistan you are talking about.

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Ahmed

Sep 26, 2012 06:03pm

Only in Pakistan would such an opinionated and superficial woman be considered an "analyst" of any kind.

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Azhar

Sep 27, 2012 01:40am

Good riddance. Few more need to go to completely cleanse the party.

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Indusonian

Sep 27, 2012 01:41am

vote for PTI and I hope it is going to be fair elections.

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Asim Kamar

Sep 27, 2012 01:46am

Am personally aware of team leader by PHDs and noble intellects from Overseas Pakistan recently had discussion with PTI however the New joiner PTI are mostly corrupt lottas. And the team returned disappointed. The team want to volunteer their knowledge and time for goodwill for Pakistan.

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Atif S

Sep 27, 2012 01:51am

I personally tried to work for PTI with my economist and world bank background of 25+ years service but found PTI is no different from PML-N MQM or PPP all corrupt. Shireen was among few in PTI I found her to be genuine. IK wake-up

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Junaid Butt

Sep 27, 2012 02:11am

I will vote for PTI this time, but I think Imran Khan is the one who is going to sink his own party. He has always been a dictator and ruined many careers including one of Javed Miandad. While he may be a well wisher, but has no real strategy to resolve issues. Going to attend Sheikh Rasheed's "Jalsa" is another prime example of not listening to the party workers and doing what he wants. Well lets see, we have to give him a chance anyways because there are no good options here.

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Ghani ur Rahman

Sep 27, 2012 02:22am

Leaving of party by Shireen Mazari like people is serious blow to PTI. Imran Khan should rethink about his policies

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awais shuja

Sep 26, 2012 06:34pm

Good on u

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Sana

Sep 28, 2012 07:01am

Agreed

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Syed

Sep 26, 2012 08:04pm

will not make any difference is she comes or goes. PTI is STRONG and IK will not compromise on his principles.

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Khan Jee

Sep 26, 2012 02:14pm

we can do everything, we can change our future through our vote. But the recent Shireen Mazari issue bring hopelessness in politics, we have a lot of expectations from Imran Khan, but nowadays i feel and everyone is also saying that Imran Khan is ignoring their workers and friends, as we can see the Shireen case. whats Shireen did wrong, she just told the world why imran khan has not arrived?. Is this her mistake? I think every leader is answerable to every worker?. Am i right?

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Laeeq,NY

Sep 26, 2012 12:23pm

PTI is moving away from its core principals and ideology. This party will not do better if it keep taking the corrupt politicians and aligning itself with right extremist parties. It can survive only with liberal and secular ideology.

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jawad

Sep 26, 2012 12:05pm

Khan needs to re-think his strategy otherwise he will be left alone

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Adnan

Sep 26, 2012 12:13pm

it is sad but the sadder fact is that the election politics (or culture) in Pakistan does not allow strictly honest people of principles to win, and if PTI wants to win in election, they should do some election politics as long as it is holding its key principles.

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Tahir Amjad

Sep 26, 2012 02:26pm

This is very big loss to PTI.Imran Khan have to look into it seriously.He should not run PTI as a cricket team of his days.

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Tariq Abbasi

Sep 26, 2012 12:17pm

If resignation of an old faithful and dedicated colleague is sign of love, then you are right. But people with unbiased brain in the skull think differently.

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saad

Sep 26, 2012 12:21pm

north south east west,Imran Khan is the best...we trust him and his leadership and his vision.. Imran khan already warned about this that,PTI own people will damage this party.

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Tahir Amjad

Sep 26, 2012 02:23pm

Matter of great concern for Imran khan,this is great loss for PTI. Imran khan have to be wise this is not Cricket team...please

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Gerry D'Cunha

Sep 26, 2012 11:27am

what did the poor people of pakistan get from 1967's slogan 'roti - kapra - makan' by ZA Bhutto - what will the poor people get from PTI from the slogan 'will end corruption' another gimmick to get into power.

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Khalid

Sep 26, 2012 12:28pm

Really unfortunate! I think Imran should do what is necessary to bring her back before she is offered a position in some other party.

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Umer

Sep 26, 2012 12:30pm

agree with alvi

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Agha Ata

Sep 26, 2012 12:26pm

Sorry for Dr. Shireen's resignation, but many people will come and go. I don't think it affects the party very much.

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Malik - AUS

Sep 26, 2012 12:26pm

Imran is honest person, but he needs political wisdom... he is also missing the team of professionals who will take the ministry portfolios should PTI win the election.... i am sure he have many supporters or hamdards, how many turn their votes is big question and if PTI will be able to put up a serious election campaign and then form government with no fight with any party....

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Riaz

Sep 26, 2012 11:44am

Wake up call for Imran Khan. Act now before its too late.

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