Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Junaid Akbar Khan has expressed his willingness to step down from the prestigious parliamentary position.
In an exclusive interview with Samaa TV in Islamabad, PTI leader Junaid Akbar said he had already received informal messages indicating that the PTI founder wants him to play a more active role in party affairs. He said Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, conveyed to him that the party founder wanted him to focus on protests.
“I am ready to leave the post on the instructions of the founder. I am only waiting for an official message,” he said, adding that this was not the appropriate channel through which such important communication should be delivered. “If the party decides, I will accept the decision without hesitation,” he reiterated.
Junaid Akbar, who also serves as PTI’s provincial president in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rejected the perception that he has not been giving enough time to the province due to his responsibilities as PAC chairman.
“I have visited 22 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since assuming office as provincial president,” he said, countering the narrative that his dual roles have caused a conflict of interest or inefficiency.
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The PAC chairman also hinted at internal friction within the party, suggesting that some members may not be comfortable with his position as the committee’s head. “Certain individuals in the party also probably don't want me to remain PAC chairman,” he remarked.
Junaid Akbar also asserted that he had run the Public Accounts Committee impartially and above party lines. “I always conducted the PAC’s affairs based on merit, without letting party affiliation interfere,” he said.
Earlier on Monday, it was reported that PTI founding chairman Imran Khan had directed party leader Junaid Akbar to resign from his position as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), according to sources familiar with the development.
The directive was said to have been communicated to the party leadership through Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan. Party insiders said the former prime minister wants Junaid Akbar to focus on party responsibilities, particularly in light of the evolving political situation and internal restructuring.
There are also indications that Omar Ayub, who currently serves as PTI's nominee for prime minister and is a senior party figure, may be considered to replace Akbar as the new PAC chairman. However, no official confirmation has been made in this regard.
