Another U-turn: Imran Khan asks Junaid Akbar to step down as PAC chairman

Founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former premier Imran Khan has directed the removal of Junaid Akbar from the position of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

According to the party sources, the directive was communicated by Aleema Khan, sister of the PTI founder, who passed on Imran Khan’s message to party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja.

The PTI founder reportedly wants Junaid Akbar to step down from the PAC role and focus entirely on party responsibilities as President of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sources further indicated that Omar Ayub is being considered as the likely replacement for the key post.

On the other hand, Junaid Akbar has said he will comply with the PTI founder’s instructions. “Whenever Imran Khan asks, I will step down from the PAC chairmanship,” he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja described the matter as strictly internal, saying, “I don’t wish to comment on this issue at this time.”

It is worth noting that on February 21, 2025, Junaid Akbar had ordered that the Toshakhana records of the past 30 years be presented before the PAC, saying gifts kept in Toshakhana are public trust and their details should be made fully public.

Moreover, on April 1, 2025, PTI leader Azam Swati met Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, where he reportedly conveyed mixed feedback about Junaid Akbar’s performance.

While acknowledging his contributions, Swati said the PTI founder had instructed the cancellation of all appointments made by Akbar.

Reporter: Tayyab Saif