Marwat faces PTI action over ‘irresponsible statements’

ISLAMABAD: The beleaguered senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Sher Afzal Marwat, was issued a show-cause notice on Saturday for “violating the party code of conduct and policy, and issuing specifically irresponsible statements that harmed the party’s reputation and interests”. 

He has been given three days to respond to the notice and explain his position as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. Marwat has already been thrown out of the two key party committees i.e. the core committee and political committee.

Marwat, who made his way to the National Assembly from NA-41 (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) in the February general election, has been in the media for the last few months over his statements, which have considerably unsettled the leadership.

The notice, a copy of which is available with The News, reads, “… you are hereby served a show cause notice for violating the party’s code of conduct and policy. Specifically, you have: 1. Issued irresponsible statements that harmed the party’s reputation and interests, despite being given clear instructions by the Founder Chairman Imran Khan not to violate party’s known and stated position.

“2. Damaged relations with fellow party members and stakeholders through your actions/words”.

The notice added: “If your reply is unsatisfactory or you do not respond, further action will be taken as per party policy and rules.” The PTI founder had removed the senior party leader from two committees on Thursday last for allegedly harming the party’s interests and those of his, on close relations with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

Imran had directed PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub to also issue him a show-cause notice and that the PTI political committee should suggest what further action should be taken against him.