Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a show-cause notice to party leader and National Assembly member Sher Afzal Marwat following his public criticism of the party’s Secretary General, Salman Akram Raja. The notice, which was issued on Sunday, came on the direct instructions of PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan.
The show-cause notice, signed by PTI’s Additional Secretary General Firdaus Shamim Naqvi, accuses Marwat of violating party policy by making “disparaging and negative remarks” about Raja, as well as comments on ongoing negotiations with the government. It asserts that Marwat’s actions disregarded clear instructions from Imran Khan and caused damage to the party.
Read more: Musk calls out ‘tyrant of Europe’
The notice stresses that, as both a member of the National Assembly and PTI’s core committee, Marwat should be fully aware of the party’s policies, including the prohibition against publicly criticizing party office-bearers. It also points to Marwat’s past misconduct and criticizes his “failure to consider the consequences of his remarks.”
“You have, among other things, made negative remarks against the Secretary General of PTI and commented adversely on the ongoing negotiations. This is a clear violation of Party Policy and Instructions issued by Founding Chairman Imran Khan,” the notice reads.
Marwat has been given seven days to respond and explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. He has also been advised not to make public appearances or represent the party during this period.
In response, Marwat has decided to refrain from media appearances. “On the advice of my friends, I have decided to stay away from the media for a week or two,” Marwat said. He also requested that media outlets refrain from pressing him to participate in any programs, adding, “I kindly request my media friends not to insist on my participation during this time.”
The show-cause notice follows a public confrontation between Raja and Marwat, which took place on national television the previous week. Raja had questioned Marwat’s competence to comment on party matters, leading to a heated exchange. In response, Marwat challenged Raja’s position as Secretary General, questioning his legitimacy under the party’s constitution.
Read more: Labour MPs call for Britain-wide probe into rape gangs
When it was pointed out that Raja had been appointed by Imran Khan, Marwat retorted, “Have you seen any notification? According to the party constitution, only someone who has contested intra-party elections can be its Secretary General.”
The conflict intensified when Marwat criticized Raja’s personal credentials, pointing out his past as a lawyer for figures from rival political parties, including Nawaz Sharif.
“How can someone who was Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer in the Panama case, Khawaja Asif, and PML-N’s Nausheen Iftikhar against PTI’s candidate Asjad Malhi taunt me?” he mockingly asked.
In the notice, PTI expressed disappointment at Marwat’s repeated actions, which it claims have caused harm to the party. “It is regrettable that you have spoken without considering the consequences for the party and have caused it damage on multiple occasions,” the notice states.
This internal rift underscores growing tensions within PTI, as the public exchange between two senior leaders highlights disagreements over leadership and party policies. The party has emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and adhering to the chain of command, especially during sensitive negotiations with the government.