Imran removes Marwat from PTI’s focal roles amidst internal strife

Firebrand politician instructed to disband his social media team, say sources

In a significant development within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), incarcerated party founder Imran Khan has reportedly ousted firebrand MNA Sher Afzal Marwat from key party roles, sources disclosed to Express News on Tuesday.

Insiders familiar with the matter revealed that Khan has taken the decision to remove Marwat from the list of party focal persons, as well as from the group responsible for finalising the names of individuals permitted to meet Khan at Adiala Jail.

Additionally, Marwat has been instructed to disband his social media team. These decisions are said to have been made based on recommendations from the PTI core committee.

This latest development adds to a history of controversy surrounding Marwat, who has previously stirred up internal strife within the party.

Last week, tensions flared within PTI ranks following what members described as damaging remarks made by Marwat. The situation escalated during a contentious exchange at a core committee meeting, where Marwat faced criticism from several members.

Also read: PTI infighting escalates over Marwat's statements

Firdous Shamim Naqvi, among others, voiced concerns about Marwat's conduct, suggesting that his outspoken tendencies were causing internal division within the party. Marwat, however, countered by lamenting what he perceived as a smear campaign against him, expressing frustration at the lack of support from fellow party members.

Core committee members emphasised the importance of maintaining party cohesion and adherence to established narratives, which they claimed Marwat had undermined with his actions. Amid the verbal confrontation, intervention from party leaders such as Ali Mohammad Khan, Naeem Panjutha, and Barrister Gohar was required to ease tensions.

This internal turmoil comes amidst a backdrop of contentious statements made by Marwat, which have fueled speculation about a lack of consensus within the party. Most recently, controversy arose between Marwat and Ali Muhammad Khan over allegations of a smear campaign against former cricket captain Shahid Afridi, reportedly propagated by PTI's social media team.

These recent developments echo a previous directive from Imran Khan in January, where Marwat was instructed to suspend all political activities due to ongoing disagreements with party leaders ahead of February 8 polls.