PTI issues show-cause notice to Marwat

PTI says remarks against fellow leaders violated party policy

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday served a show-cause notice to party firebrand Sher Afzal Marwat for allegedly breaching the party's code of conduct and undermining its interests with his recent remarks targeting senior party leaders and Saudi Arabia.

The notice accuses Marwat of making reckless statements detrimental to the party's image and interests, despite clear directives from founding chairman Imran Khan not to deviate from the party's established position.

It also admonishes Marwat for straining relations with fellow party members and stakeholders through his words and actions.

Marwat has been instructed to furnish a written explanation within three days of receiving the notice, justifying why disciplinary measures should not be enforced against him.

“If your reply is unsatisfactory or you do not respond, further action will be taken as per party policy and rules,” the notice warns.

The development follows PTI leader Omar Ayub's announcement on Thursday regarding Marwat's expulsion from the party's core and political committees, as directed by party founder Imran Khan, in response to Marwat's contentious comments about Saudi Arabia.

On Wednesday, Marwat launched a scathing attack on senior party figures, accusing them of thwarting his bid for the coveted chairmanship of the National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He alleged that Senate opposition leader Shibli Faraz had conveyed to Imran Khan the Saudi ambassador's reservations regarding Marwat's nomination.

Marwat asserted his refusal to helm a committee susceptible to Saudi influence by complying with its demands.

Read PTI disavows Marwat's allegations of Saudi role in 'regime change’

Furthermore, he alleged that Ayub and Faraz had misled Imran Khan on various matters.

Marwat, known for his controversial remarks, had previously accused both the United States and Saudi Arabia of conspiring to overthrow the PTI government. While the PTI distanced itself from his statements, Marwat insisted it reflected his personal views.

In February, the PTI issued a show-cause notice to Marwat over remarks targeting party leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, sparking an internal controversy within the party.