ISLAMABAD: In what is seen as a belated move, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has terminated the basic party membership of 11 estranged lawmakers of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, including Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, on the basis of making forward bloc and voting against the party decision.
Haji Gulbar was elected as the chief minister for Gilgit Baltistan two years back in July, following the disqualification of PTI’s CM Khalid Khurshid Khan over a fake degree the same month.
Moreover, the party has also issued a show-cause notice to former GB governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon, who allegedly conspired against the party and approached party members for defection. He has been given two days to explain his position in writing and that if his reply is unsatisfactory or he does not respond, further action will be taken as per party policy and rules.
Majority of those shown the door from the party formally is part of the Chief Minister Haji Gulbar’s cabinet. Termination notifications were issued to the Chief Minister and other legislators, including Mushtaq Ahmad, Haji Shah Baig, Abdul Hameed, Syed Amjad Ali Zaidi, Shamsul Haq Lone, Dilshad Bano, Raja Nasir Ali Khan Maqpoon, Surayya Zaman, Raja Azam Khan Amacha and Raja Fazal Rahim.
The decision to terminate membership of these party legislators was effective immediately and in line with the PTI’s policy and procedures. It was explained that the reason for their termination is their actions in the GB Assembly, especially making a forward bloc and voting against the party decision, which is a clear violation of the party’s policy.
It was emphasised that their actions had caused harm to the party’s interests and reputation. And, they were directed to desist from using the party name, designation and/or membership in any manner or whatsoever, failing which the party reserves the right to take action against them which may also lead to legal action.
Khalid Khurshid’s disqualification had led to fresh political alignment, which ultimately led to the formation of a coalition government, comprising PTI’s disgruntled members and PMLN and PPP lawmakers with Gulbar Khan emerging as the new chief minister in the region.
