PTI leader barred from holding press conference at Insaf House

Individuals who are not office-bearers are not allowed to hold press conferences, says Firdous Shamim Naqvi

KARACHI: Confusion emerged at Insaf House as a senior member of the party, Abdul Qayyum Khan Kundi, was barred from holding a press conference on Thursday.

He was told that only office-bearers can use Insaf House for press briefings.

According to Kundi, he had announced a press conference 10 days ago, which was supposed to be on electoral reforms in the country. However, he was denied access to the party office on Thursday and all the gates were locked.

“Ever since I had announced the press conference, no office-bearer contacted me,” he said. “But just a day before, I was told that I cannot hold any press conference. I had no intention of holding it individually and had invited other party members as well but they were not ready to join me.”

Meanwhile, PTI Karachi president Firdous Shamim Naqvi told The Express Tribune that it was against party discipline. Individuals who are not office-bearers are not allowed to hold press conferences, he said. He added that members and workers can pass on their suggestions to office-bearers, which can be considered.

He clarified that Kundi is a senior and loyal member of the party but they cannot compromise on party discipline as it is possible that, in the future, other members and workers will also demand to use the party office for press conferences.