Differences in stance within PTI on Marwat's 'expulsion'

Shaheen confirms PTI MNA's ouster whereas Gohar denies any such development

ISLAMABA:

An apparent rift has emerged between the PTI leadership regarding the revocation of MNA Sher Afzal Marwat's party's membership after party's acting Information Secretary confirmed his expulsion while Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan denied any such development, sources said on Saturday.

In a notification endorsed by PTI Additional Secretary General Firdous Shamim Naqvi, the party announced Marwat's ouster.

"Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has decided to cancel the basic membership of Sher Afzal Marwat for gross violation/breach of discipline," the notification read.

On the other hand, Gohar, while talking to Express News, termed the notification "fake", saying that as chairman of the party, he would have been aware if any such development had taken place.

Quoting Shaheen, sources maintained that Marwat had been ousted from the party on the directives of Imran Khan, whereas Barrister Gohar asserted that the MNA was a "loyalist" of Khan. The party chairman expressed ignorance about the notification issued in this regard.

Barrister Gohar stressed that as party chairman, he would not oust Marwat or any other member from the party.

Sources claimed that Barrister Gohar might go to Adiala Jail to meet Imran Khan, requesting him to cancel the notification for Marwat's ouster.

While revoking his party membership, the PTI has also asked Marwat to resign from the National Assembly seat.

The PTI notification said Marwat was on notice and had been asked to "restrict himself, and his statements to within the limitation as outlined in the letter. A committee was set up to monitor his statements, media appearances and tweets," it added. "The committee has come to the conclusion Sher Afzal Marwat has no regard for the rules and discipline of the party and he considers himself above the party regulations, [which] consequentially badly affected the image of the party and party narrative.

"On the basis of findings of the committee and his latest statements and complaints received, the committee has recommended termination of his membership and the same has been approved by founding chairman lmran Khan," the notification stated.

Meanwhile, taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Marwat stated that he "respected" the party's decision.

The MNA asserted that he was a "soldier of Khan" and would continue to be one.

The PTI MNA observed that someone had tried to discredit him in the eyes of Imran Khan and stated that he would present his stance when he meets the party's founding chairman.