Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI; ur, , ) is a political party in Pakistan. It was founded in 1996 by Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who served as the country's prime minister from 2018 to 2022. The PTI is one of the three major Pakistani political parties alongside the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML–N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), and it is the largest party in terms of representation in the National Assembly of Pakistan since the 2018 general election. With over 10 million members in Pakistan and abroad, it claims to be the country's largest political party by primary membership as well as one of the largest political parties in the world.

Despite Khan's popular persona in Pakistan, the PTI had limited initial success: it failed to win, as a collective, a single seat in the 1997 general election and the 2002 general election; only Khan himself was able to win a seat. Throughout the 2000s, the PTI remained in opposition to the presidency of Pervez Musharraf, who had spearheaded a military government under the Pakistan Muslim League–Quaid (PML–Q) since the 1999 coup d'état; it also boycotted the 2008 general election, accusing it of having been conducted with fraudulent procedures under Musharraf's rule. The global popularity of the " Third Way" during the Musharraf era led to the rise of a new Pakistani political bloc focused on centrism, deviating from the traditional dominance of the centre-left PPP and the centre-right PML–N. When the PML–Q began to decline in the aftermath of Musharraf's presidency, much of its centrist voter bank was lost to the PTI. Around the same time, the PPP's popularity began to decrease after the disqualification of Yousaf Raza Gillani in 2012. Similarly, the PTI appealed to many former PPP voters, particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, due to its outlook on populism.

In the 2013 general election, the PTI emerged as a major party with over 7.5 million votes, ranking second by number of votes and third by number of seats won. At the provincial level, it was voted to power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During its time in opposition, the PTI, with the help of popular slogans such as (), mobilized people in rallies over public distress on various national issues, the most notable of which was the 2014 Azadi march. In the 2018 general election, it received 16.9 million votes—the largest amount for any political party in Pakistan thus far. It then formed the national government in coalition with five other parties for the first time, with Khan serving as the new Pakistani prime minister. However, in April 2022, a no-confidence motion against Khan removed him and his PTI government from office at the federal level. Currently, the PTI governs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab at the provincial level and acts as the largest opposition party in Sindh, while also having significant representation in Balochistan.

Officially, the PTI has stated that its focus is on turning Pakistan into a model welfare state espousing Islamic socialism, and also on dismantling religious discrimination against Pakistani minorities. The PTI terms itself an anti– movement advocating an Islamic democracy centred on egalitarianism. It claims to be the only non-dynastic party of mainstream Pakistani politics in contrast to parties such as the PPP and PML–N. Since 2019, the party has been criticized by political opponents and analysts alike for its failures to address various economic and political issues, particularly the Pakistani economy, which was further weakened in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Khan and the PTI were later praised for leading the country’s economic recovery in the pandemic's later stages. During its time in power, the party faced backlash over its crackdown on the Pakistani opposition as well as its regulation of increased censorship through curbs on Pakistani media outlets and freedom of speech.

History

Formative years

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was founded by Imran Khan on 25 April 1996 in Lahore. Founded initially as a sociopolitical movement, in June 1996 the first Central Executive Committee of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was formed under the leadership of Imran Khan, including Naeemul Haque, Ahsan Rasheed, Hafeez Khan, Mowahid Hussain, Mahmood Awan and Nausherwan Burki as founding members. PTI began to grow slowly but did not achieve immediate popularity.

Expansion

In October 2002, Khan ran for office in the National Elections and became a member of parliament (MP) for Mianwali, his home town. Khan, however, remained deeply critical of the entire political order of Pakistan, which he deemed corrupt, inefficient, and morally bereft of any of the founding principles of Pakistan. In protest, Khan began a grassroots campaign to raise awareness about his political party.

After Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in 2007 and Nawaz Sharif returned from self-exile in Saudi Arabia, pressure increased upon President Musharraf to hold democratic elections. PTI, in conjunction with many political parties, joined the All Parties Democratic Movement, which was opposed to further military rule. The general election in 2008 resulted in a PPP victory. This election was boycotted by PTI. A membership drive in November and December 2008 resulted in 150,000 people joining the party.

Ascent to power

PTI emerged as a major party in 2013 Pakistani general election. Public distress on various issues against the government in following years, led PTI to emerge as a single largest political party in 2018 Pakistani general election and subsequent formation of a coalition government.

Positions

Domestic

Following its ascent to national government of Pakistan, PTI backed off from certain commitments in its manifesto what was criticised by its opponents as ''U-turns''. The PTI also raised issue of religious tolerance and greater representation for minorities. On 20 February 2013 PTI launched its 'Education Policy' with plans to introduce a uniform education system with one curriculum in three languages for Urdu, English and regional languages for entire Pakistan in primary schools. PTI promised to crack down on police brutality, restructure the civil service, reform the electoral system, allow for a truly independent judiciary, decentralise state power, and enforce laws which extend personal liberty. The PTI proposed civilian control of Pakistan's military. The Inter-Services Intelligence service would report directly to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and the defence budget would be audited by the government. Imran Khan also pledged to resign should any terrorism take place from Pakistani soil following these reforms.

PTI organised a protest against drone attacks in Pakistan on 23 November 2013 at Peshawar, where it called on the federal government to force an end to U.S. CIA drone attacks and to block NATO supplies through the country to Afghanistan. "We will put pressure on America, and our protest will continue if drone attacks are not stopped." The U.S. embassy declined to comment on the protest that also temporarily closed a route leading to one of two border crossings used for the shipments.

The PTI advocated the establishment of South Punjab and Gilgit Baltistan as official provinces in Pakistan.

Foreign policy

The PTI hopes to have a relationship with the US that would be based on "self-dignity and respect" and promised to stop all foreign aid to Pakistan. Imran Khan, the leader of PTI claimed ‘having relations with US, Russia and China is in Pakistan’s interest’ and Pakistan's ‘future is tied up with Russia’. The PTI also promised to make Kashmir issue a top priority and would try and solve the issue permanently so that Pakistan no longer has any border or territorial disputes with any of its neighbours.

Organization and structure

Administration

The National Council is the PTI governing body. Its members are:
* Office bearers of the provincial organizations
* Presidents of regional organizations
* Presidents of district organizations
* Five members nominated by each of the women, youth, students, labour, farmers, minorities, lawyers and overseas organisations
* Advisors nominated by the chairman

The National Council elects central office-bearers.

;Intra-party elections
In March 2012, PTI announced to hold US-style intra-party election, according to a press briefing the US-style candidate nomination and ticket-awarding process, PTI would aim to introduce local caucuses on district levels throughout the country. Aspiring candidates would undertake debates and undergo primaries to win a party ticket for contesting on Provincial Assembly or National Assembly seats. The elections were held from October 2012 and ended on 23 March 2013 where the party finally elected the National Council after a long drawn electoral process with over four million registered members for their electoral college. With these elections, PTI has become Pakistan's first political party to hold the largest intraparty election from the general electoral base.

;Central functions

Most of PTI's central leadership was elected, Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi were elected on 20 March 2013. The Secretary information, Secretary Finance, Secretary Social Media, Secretary Political Training, and Secretary Policy Planning are appointed by the chairman and confirmed by the CEC. The executive committee consists of the Central Office bearers (above) and thirty members to be nominated by the chairman from amongst the members of the National Council.

;Provincial Council

The elected Provincial Council was finalised on 18 March 2013 for a 4-year term by the various districts of each province it is as follows Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Party wings

;Central Tarbiyati Council (CTC)
In June 2014, a Central Tarbiyati Council was created whose convener is Firdous Shamim Naqvi, In-charge for Curriculum Development Abdul Quayyum Khan Kundi, In-charge Material Production Khawar Shamsul Hasan, In-charge Implementation and Monitoring Col Ejaz Minhas. The Tarbiyati Council will be responsible to train party activists on ideology, election campaigns, and other organizational matters.

;PTI Women Wing
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has a dedicated central wing for women, led by Nausheen Hamid as its elected president and Seemi Ezdi as its elected general secretary. PTI strongly declares its recognition of the rights of women and undertakes to promote and implement policies that protect women from all strata of society, especially the middle and working classes, recognising urban and rural as equal citizens and encouraging the participation of women in national and political life. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf strongly believes in the representation of women at all decision-making levels.

;Insaf Student Federation (ISF)
The Insaf Student Federation is the official student wing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. ISF is present in all provinces of Pakistan. ISF has held many protests and rallies in all parts of Pakistan to create awareness about different issues.

;Insaf Youth Wing
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has a youth wing for people under the age of 40 to help bring attention to their issues and problems. PTI Youth Wing is led by Ali Abbas Bukhari as the elected president.

;People with disabilities
On 18 March 2013 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf became the first political party in Pakistan to announce a comprehensive policy for persons with disabilities (PWD). In its vision PTI would like to ensure the rights of disabled people and they be provided with enough opportunities to play their vital role in society. The party strongly believes in the implementation of the 1991 ordinance which ensured a special quota for persons with disabilities. PTI will acknowledge, facilitate and empower all PWDs enabling them to lead independent and self-fulfilling lives. PTI will also raise awareness about the integration of persons with disabilities into society would work towards the prevention of certain avoidable disabilities through early diagnosis and medical treatment. Fulfilling its commitment to persons with disabilities, the KPK government led by the PTI has approved a budget of over Rs 59 Million initially to help provide rehabilitation services to handicapped people at the local hospital near to their area, it is initially slated to be launched in all 25 districts of the province but will expand further with additional budgetary provisions.

;Insaf Research Wing
Insaf Research Wing (IRW) was a part of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) created to carry out research to find solutions for problems in Pakistan. IRW was created in 2009 to carry out research to find solutions for problems in Pakistan. The foremost goal of IRW was to keep the people of Pakistan and PTI informed and prepared. The wing was composed of 9 committees. Each committee addressed issues related to its field of expertise, which included socio-political, information & technology, economics, energy, healthcare, corruption, foreign affairs, education & environment. The research reports/papers were either commissioned by the central executive committee of PTI or committee members of IRW. The IRW did not follow a preset ideology while carrying out research, nor did it endorse any opinion presented in a published report/paper as an official position. Any published document by the wing did not constitute it as an official position of PTI unless otherwise stated. IRW operated at a national level but its members were located throughout the world bringing in the much needed international experience. IRW practised an open membership policy valid for all Pakistanis regardless of religion or race.

The IRW has since been replaced by the Insaf Research Team.

Electoral performance

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf contested the general elections of 1997, 2002, 2013 and 2018. It boycotted the 2008 general elections.

Local Bodies

1997 and 2002 general elections

Less than a year after its founding, PTI contested the 1997 general elections. Imran Khan stood in seven constituencies across Pakistan but did not win a majority in any.

In the 2002 general elections, party chairman Imran Khan won one seat from Mianwali. PTI secured 0.8% of the popular vote.

2008 general elections

PTI openly boycotted the Pakistani general election on 18 February 2008 because it believed that the election was fraudulent and laced with irregularities.

2013 general elections

On 21 April 2013 Khan, the chairman of PTI, launched his campaign for the 2013 elections from Lahore where he addressed supporters at The Mall, Lahore followed by prayers at the Data Durbar Complex. which was followed by large rallies in Karak and Dera Ismail Khan. He also announced that he would pull Pakistan out of the US-led war on terror and bring peace in the Pashtun tribal belt. On 22 April 2013 Khan addressed different public meetings in Malakand, Lower Dir District and Upper Dir District where he announced that PTI will introduce a uniform education system in which the children of rich and poor will have equal opportunities.

On the same day he spoke at a rally in Rawalpindi's Constituency NA-56 accompanied by Shaikh Rasheed Ahmad. On 23 April 2013 Khan addressed large rallies in Renala Khurd, Okara and other parts of Sahiwal Division. He challenged PML-N President Nawaz Sharif to a live debate, a challenge which PML-N was quick to decline. On 24 April, Khan addressed rallies Nankana Sahib District, Sheikhupura and Pattoki where he announced that once he comes to power no parliamentarian will receive development funds as they are misused for achieving political gains.

On 25 April 2013 Khan addressed political gatherings in South Punjab including in Pakpattan, Lodhran and Vehari. On the following day Khan continued his mass campaign in South Punjab, he addressed rallies at Jalalpur Pirwala, Muzaffargarh, Mian Channu, Kabirwala and Khanewal where he promised to end the system of tyranny and announced that once in power he will make law which will allow every village or town to elect its own Station House Officer which he believes will prevent corruption and police brutality, he also promised to eliminate the post of Patwari and make a computerised and professional land record system.

Khan ended his south Punjab campaign by addressing rallies at Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur on 27 April. During the campaign he collectively visited over 25 towns and cities and addressed dozens of rallies and corner meetings, at the end he promised to hang the killers behind the assassination of Benazir Bhutto he also said that the local government system is important for the prosperity of Pakistan. On 28 April, Khan moved to central Punjab where he addressed large rallies at Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad and Sargodha while promising people to bring justice and equality to Pakistan.

On 29 April 2013 Khan addressed rallies at Murree, Talagang, Chakwal, Taxila and Attock. On 30 April, Khan visited his home town of Mianwali where he addressed several rallies, he lashed out on Bhutto's and Sharif's. He is quoted to say 'You can't lead revolution from behind bulletproof glass' he also claimed that he had conquered fear of dying 17 years ago. On 1 and 2 March, Khan addressed gatherings in Sibi, Loralai, Zafarwal, Pasrur, Narowal, Jacobabad and also led a car rally in Rawalpindi. On 3 May Khan continued his campaign at Battagram, Mansehra, Torghar District, Abbottabad and Haripur, followed by rallies at Buner District, Swabi

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