Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a temporary suspension of its political activities for a period of one week in response to the devastating floods affecting large parts of Punjab. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, speaking to SAMAA’s special correspondent in Islamabad, emphasized the severity of the situation and urged all political actors and citizens to step forward and assist the flood-affected communities.
Highlighting the humanitarian emergency, he noted that political differences must take a backseat while relief efforts are ongoing, and that the party is committed to prioritizing the welfare of the affected population over political agendas during this critical time.
In a related development, 19 members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) have submitted their resignations from National Assembly standing committees to the Speaker’s Office. The resignations include prominent figures such as Barrister Gohar, Aamir Dogar, Waqas Akram, and Sher Afzal Marwat.
PTI Chief Whip Aamir Dogar confirmed that a large number of PTI lawmakers have already submitted their resignations from various committees, and the process is still ongoing, reflecting the party’s broader strategy of distancing itself from parliamentary processes amid dissatisfaction with the current system.
Barrister Gohar elaborated on the rationale behind the resignations, stating that PTI had made multiple efforts to remain engaged within the parliamentary system and actively participate in dialogue to address political and legislative issues. However, he added that these efforts did not yield any meaningful results. “Now, no negotiations are taking place,” he remarked, indicating that the party sees little scope for constructive engagement under the current circumstances.
The Speaker’s Office has officially acknowledged the receipt of the resignations submitted by SIC members. Meanwhile, PTI and SIC leaders have announced that more resignations are expected to be submitted by September 1, signaling a continued move to withdraw from committee-level participation in the National Assembly.
The resignations come at a time when the party seeks to demonstrate solidarity with flood victims and convey its message that political priorities must align with humanitarian needs.
This decision by PTI underscores the party’s approach to temporarily suspend partisan activities in the flood-hit regions while focusing on relief and rehabilitation efforts. By pausing political engagements and ensuring party members are actively involved in humanitarian work, PTI aims to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s ongoing flood response, highlighting the urgency of addressing the human toll of the disaster.
