The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary committee barred MNA Brigadier (retd) Aslam Ghumman from attending its Monday meeting, as the party plans to launch anti-government protests, sources revealed. Upon arriving at the meeting room, Ghumman was asked to leave, with members objecting to his participation due to an earlier show cause notice issued to him.
When questioned by a reporter about his departure, Ghumman stated, “I am going to offer Namaz.” He is among the MNAs who voted for the 26th Constitutional Amendment, despite PTI’s directive to boycott the vote.
This amendment, narrowly passed on Monday, grants lawmakers increased authority in appointing top judges. It modifies the appointment process for Pakistan’s Chief Justice and the composition of judicial benches, while also setting a tentative end date of January 1, 2028, for riba (interest-based banking).
The meeting, chaired by Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub, included prominent PTI members Salman Akram Raja, Zartaj Gul, Asad Qaiser, Aamir Dogar, and others. Discussions focused on PTI nominees for the Judicial Commission of Pakistan and on addressing assembly member resignations issued show cause notices for supporting the amendment.
Following the meeting, a statement announced PTI’s decision to join the judicial commission and endorsed prior political committee decisions. The party approved a nationwide schedule for rallies as part of its anti-government movement, with assembly members pledging participation in the upcoming protests.
Additionally, the committee evaluated recent National Assembly sessions, the amendment passage, and the broader political climate. PTI vowed continued efforts to challenge the “political cases” against its detained founder, who, the party claims, is being held in solitary confinement for political reasons. The committee affirmed strict disciplinary actions against members who diverged from party policies and reiterated PTI’s commitment to its founder’s ideology.
