PTI issues show-cause notice to MNA Iqbal Afridi over alleged discipline violations

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday issued a show-cause notice to Member of the National Assembly Iqbal Afridi over what it described as repeated violations of party discipline, directing him to submit a written explanation within seven days.

According to the notice, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, Afridi has been asked to explain his position regarding a series of allegations levelled against him.

The notice, issued by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, accused Afridi of "routinely misbehaving with party MNAs", alleging that such incidents had "at times been captured on camera and streamed on televised news and social media". It further alleged that he had used "derogatory language and undignified remarks" against fellow lawmakers.

Read: NA suspends PTI lawmaker over misconduct

The notice also alleged that Afridi had "routinely gone against parliamentary party decisions during National Assembly proceedings".

In another allegation, the party claimed that his "derogatory behaviour has not only been directed towards party MNAs but also junior and senior staff of the National Assembly".

Referring to an incident outside Adiala Jail, the notice alleged that on June 23, Afridi had "planned an assault on party MNAs" and that one of his accomplices assaulted several lawmakers.

"You were personally involved in the assault. Party members gathered at Adiala for Imran Khan's cause; your action directly sabotaged this," the notice stated.

PTI further alleged that Afridi's "actions and behaviour" had "brought disrepute to the party publicly" and constituted "serious misconduct, indiscipline, and conduct prejudicial to party discipline and unity".

The notice asked Afridi to explain why his basic membership should not be cancelled and why he should not be expelled from the party.

"You are directed to submit your written response within seven days of receipt of this notice. Failure to respond may result in further proceedings in accordance with the party's constitution," the notice concluded.

The party warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period could lead to further disciplinary proceedings, including the cancellation of his basic membership and expulsion from PTI.

Earlier, sources revealed that the decision to issue a show-cause notice was made during a PTI parliamentary party meeting, where members discussed Afridi's conduct and his recent altercations with fellow party lawmakers.

Afridi had a dispute with PTI leader Junaid Akbar during the previous parliamentary session. He was also involved in an argument with MNA Sibghatullah outside Adiala Jail.