Islamabad: In the wake of a reported financial crunch, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has slashed the salaries of its secretariat staff by 50%, sources revealed on Tuesday. Additionally, several employee perks, including fuel allowances, have been abolished with immediate effect.
The salary cuts affect at least 25 employees at the PTI secretariat, the sources said. Reacting to the news, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram expressed his disagreement with the decision to reduce salaries but confirmed that it was a necessary step due to the party’s frozen accounts and ongoing financial crisis. Akram assured that salaries would be increased once the situation improves.
The party’s financial troubles come amid a turbulent political climate following the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from office in April 2022. The situation worsened after the May 9 riots, which saw widespread protests and violent clashes following Khan’s arrest in connection with the £190 million settlement case. These events deepened the rift between PTI and the establishment.
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In the aftermath of the riots, PTI workers and leaders were arrested for their involvement in attacks on military and civil installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military declared May 9 as a “Black Day” and subsequently decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.
Military courts convicted 25 individuals in December, with further sentences handed down to 60 more individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi. However, in January, 19 of those convicted were pardoned following appeals, a decision that PTI expressed dissatisfaction with, particularly regarding the trial of civilians in military courts.
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