The internal divisions within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership appear to have deepened, with senior leader Sher Afzal Marwat announcing his decision to refrain from collaborating with key party figures.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Marwat expressed his refusal to cooperate with Shibli Faraz and Omar Ayub, alleging that they obstructed his attempts to meet PTI founder Imran Khan in prison.
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Marwat’s stance follows the PTI’s withdrawal of his nomination for the post of Chairman of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the appointment of Sheikh Waqas Akram in his place.
Sources revealed that PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub and Senator Shibli Faraz convened a political committee meeting to retract Marwat’s nomination, proposing Akram as an alternative. Despite support from Asad Qaiser, Sheharyar Afridi, Shandana Gulzar, and Zulfi Bukhari, Marwat’s nomination was revoked.
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Marwat expressed disappointment, claiming that the party succumbed to pressure from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding his PAC chairmanship nomination. He reiterated his lack of interest in holding office and pledged to resign from the National Assembly if instructed by the PTI founder.
Highlighting his contributions to reviving the PTI’s fortunes, Marwat criticized his removal from the political committee, alleging disrespect. He declared his departure from active involvement in the party until summoned by Imran Khan.
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Marwat also accused the PTI’s social media team of being biased against him and called for nationwide protests to secure Imran Khan’s mandate and freedom.
This episode reflects ongoing tensions within the PTI leadership, exemplified by Marwat’s previous conflicts with party figures like Taimur Khan Jhagra and Salman Ahmad, a close aide to Imran Khan.