‘Won’t stay quiet’: Marwat warns PTI leaders

No one has the right to make baseless statements against me; I won’t remain silent if attacked, says PTI leader

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shir Afzal Marwat has addressed internal party differences, saying that anyone who speaks against him should not expect him to remain silent.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and senior leader Sher Afzal Marwat engaged in a war of words, signaling a growing rift within the former ruling party.

Raja questioned Marwat’s "competence" to comment on party affairs after the latter raised a query about Raja’s status as the party’s office-holder.

Today, speaking on the program Centre Stage, Marwat explained that while he had previously committed not to escalate the issue of Salman Akram Raja, he made it clear that no one had the right to make baseless statements against him in the media.

He added that if anyone speaks against him, they should not expect silence in return.

Marwat further emphasized that media discussions would only create issues and that he would respond to anyone who spoke about him.

He also highlighted that some individuals were unable to tolerate the affection he receives from people, mentioning the presence of pressure groups within the party.

He clarified that despite such pressures, he had never approached PTI’s founder to form factions, stressing that he only valued respect.

When asked about ongoing talks, Marwat expressed that both the government and PTI were merely engaging in "fireworks," but the dialogue process would continue.

He pointed out that PTI’s founder had already suggested that a list of demands be submitted to move forward with the talks.

On the matter of meetings with PTI's founder, Marwat stated that arranging such meetings was not a major issue, and if those meetings didn't happen, the negotiations should still continue.

He also commented on the recent statement by Speaker of the National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq, asserting that as a convenor, Sadiq should have scheduled meetings with clear dates, while PTI had not put forward demands beyond the government's capacity to address.

Marwat concluded by praising PTI for showing patience in the face of attempts by the government to create discord, expressing confidence that once negotiations commence, the situation will improve.

In response to a question about meetings held between November 22 and 25, Marwat confirmed that offers were indeed made, stating that it was incorrect to suggest otherwise.

He noted that while he was unaware of any backdoor contacts personally, those who had engaged in such communication in the past were now part of the negotiating team.