Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a show-cause notice to National Assembly Member Sher Afzal Marwat after his public criticism of the party’s Secretary General, Salman Akram Raja. The notice, issued on the directive of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, accuses Marwat of violating party policies and directives.
Signed by PTI Additional Secretary General Firdaus Shamim Naqvi, the notice cites Marwat’s “adverse and disparaging remarks” against Raja and his comments on the ongoing negotiations with the government, stating they caused harm to the party.
The document highlights that Marwat, as a core committee member, is fully aware of the party’s policies, including prohibitions on publicly criticizing office-bearers. It also references prior instances of misconduct and criticizes his failure to consider the consequences of his remarks.
“You have made disparaging remarks against the Secretary General of PTI and commented adversely on ongoing negotiations, violating party policy and instructions from the founding chairman,” the notice reads.
Marwat has been given seven days to respond and justify his actions, failing which disciplinary measures will be taken. In the meantime, he has been directed to refrain from media appearances or public representation of the party.
Reacting to the notice, Marwat announced his decision to stay off media platforms temporarily. “On friends’ advice, I’ve decided to avoid electronic media for a week or two,” he said, urging media outlets not to invite him during this period.
The notice follows a heated exchange between Raja and Marwat on national television last week. Raja questioned Marwat’s competence in discussing party matters, prompting Marwat to challenge Raja’s legitimacy as secretary general. Marwat argued that the appointment violated PTI’s constitution, which requires office-bearers to have contested intra-party elections.
Marwat also criticized Raja’s history as a lawyer for rival political figures, including Nawaz Sharif, Khawaja Asif, and Nausheen Iftikhar. “How can someone who represented Nawaz Sharif in the Panama case mock me?” he retorted.
PTI expressed disappointment over Marwat’s repeated actions, emphasizing the need for discipline and adherence to the chain of command, particularly during sensitive negotiations with the government.
This internal conflict underscores growing tensions within PTI, with the public dispute between two senior members revealing deeper divisions over party leadership and policies.
