Imran Khan realised appointing Usman Buzdar as CM was a huge mistake. In a candid address at the SOAS University of London on the topic of “Democracy in Crisis,” Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, a close aide to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, openly acknowledged that appointing Usman Buzdar as CM Punjab was a significant mistake for the party.
Speaking for over two hours, Bukhari shed light on the internal dynamics within the PTI that complicated efforts to replace Buzdar.
Bukhari explained that, upon reflection, Imran Khan recognized the unsuitability of Buzdar for the role.
However, he emphasized the political complexities and the presence of influential factions within the PTI in Punjab, such as the Aleem Khan group, which made the removal of Buzdar a challenging proposition.
According to Bukhari, the fear of internal conflict within the party compelled Imran Khan to retain Buzdar despite growing dissatisfaction.
Addressing internal party dynamics, Bukhari revealed the existence of power groups within the PTI, notably mentioning the Aleem Khan group.
He argued that removing Buzdar could have triggered internal strife, describing it as a potential “war” within the party.
Bukhari also distanced himself and the PTI from Farah Gogi, a close associate of former First Lady Bushra Bibi, who is currently facing corruption allegations.
He emphasized that if the allegations against Gogi are substantiated, she should face legal consequences.
Admitting mistakes during the PTI’s nearly four-year governance, Bukhari expressed a commitment to learning from those errors.
He asserted that, given another chance, the party would avoid repeating past missteps, hinting at a shift in leadership.
Touching upon the Ring Road case, Bukhari claimed that false charges were orchestrated against him by two individuals once close to Imran Khan.
One has reportedly become an approver against Khan, while the other has left Pakistan.
Bukhari condemned the May 9 attacks on military installations, particularly emphasizing the sacred value of the assault on Jinnah House.
He reiterated the PTI’s stance against violence and stressed the leadership’s responsibility to guide emotions towards democratic processes.
In terms of political engagement, Bukhari expressed the PTI’s willingness to engage with all political parties, including traditional rivals PML-N and PPP, to find a constructive way forward.
However, he noted that PML-N showed reluctance due to perceived rivalry in Punjab, while PPP did not harbor similar concerns in the province.
Bukhari concluded by revealing deliberate abstention from PTI UK’s political activities, citing potential consequences for party workers and leaders in Pakistan.
He touched upon the initially positive relationship between PTI and the military but acknowledged issues that arose over time, emphasizing that suggestions, not dictates, should characterize interactions with military officials.
Regarding the aftermath of the May 9 attacks, he claimed that over 13,000 activists were arrested, with approximately 7,000 still in detention, highlighting the need for a measured response and adherence to due process.
