On Friday, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reportedly decided to revoke the basic party membership of Sher Afzal Marwat due to “gross violation/breach” of discipline. This decision, endorsed by PTI Additional Secretary General Firdous Shamim Naqvi, was announced in an official notification. However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan dismissed the notification as “fake” and “impossible,” highlighting a significant division within the party’s leadership.
The PTI notification indicated that Marwat had been previously warned to restrict his statements and was under the scrutiny of a committee tasked with monitoring his public appearances and social media activity. The committee concluded that Marwat’s disregard for party rules and regulations negatively impacted the party’s image and narrative. Consequently, they recommended the termination of his membership, a decision purportedly approved by PTI founding chairman Imran Khan.
Contrarily, PTI leader Naeem Panjutha confirmed the notification about Marwat’s membership cancellation. Marwat, known for his controversial remarks, faced disciplinary actions previously, including a show-cause notice on May 11 for violating the party’s code of conduct. His claim that Saudi Arabia was involved in toppling the Khan-led government in 2022 particularly drew ire, leading the PTI to distance itself from his statement and serve him a notice.
PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan issued the show-cause notice, asserting that Marwat’s “irresponsible statements” harmed the party’s reputation and interests, contrary to Imran Khan’s instructions. On May 9, Ayub announced Marwat’s expulsion from the party’s core and political committees, citing repeated violations of party policies.
The ongoing conflict within PTI over Marwat’s membership highlights significant internal discord and challenges in maintaining party discipline.
