PTI cancels Sher Afzal Marwat’s basic membership

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expelled firebrand speaker Sher Afzal Marwat from the party cancelling his basic membership, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In this connection, a notification was issued on Saturday.

PTI additional secretary general Firdous Shamim Naqvi has said that a notice had been issued to Marwat, asking him to remain careful about his statements. “A committee had been constituted to monitor his statements, tweets and interviews given to the media,” he said, adding, “However, the committee reached the conclusion that Marwat did not have respect for the party’s rules and regulations. He considers himself to be above the party’s discipline, which dented the party’s image and narrative.”  

The additional secretary general has further said that the committee has recommended terminating his basic membership in the light of its inquiry report, his recent statements and complaints received.

Naqvi has said that Imran Khan has himself approved the termination of basic membership of Marwat. “The committee thinks that since Marwat is a man of honour, therefore, he should resign from his seat in the National Assembly.”

On the other hand, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said he is not aware of the development. “I have only just read the notification. I don’t think it is genuine. I was not informed about the decision,” he has said, adding, “When I am not aware of the decision, then how Marwat can be expelled. I, being the party chairman, cannot approve any such measure. If anybody has taken the decision on his own, I will not greenlight it.”

Marwat’s reaction to party’s decision

Reacting to the party’s decision, Marwat has said he respects it. “But one thing I want to make it clear that I am loyal to Imran Khan, and will remain so. I will try my best to secure the release of my leader.”

He has complained that Imran was not told the truth about him. “Misunderstandings were created. I will try to remove these misunderstandings from my leader’s mind after meeting him,” he has said, adding, “I will try to satisfy him. If he does not feel satisfied, I will vacate my NA seat.”

Marwat has said he is sure Imran will soon be out of jail. “If anybody in the party; be it a worker or a leader, has felt hurt by my any act, I offer my apologies from the bottom of my heart.”

He has said he hopes that the party leaders will refrain from issuing statements against him.

Marwat has also said that since he has no political ambitions, such decisions will have no effect on his future. “But one thing I will regret is that a decision was given against me without listening to my point of view.”

Reporter: Tayyab Saif