SIC hits back at PTI after Sher Afzal Marwat’s statement. The Chairman of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Sahibzada Hamid Raza, has cautioned leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against airing their internal conflicts in public.
Reprimand over PTI leader’s remarks
Raza, while asserting his loyalty to the PTI‘s founder, Imran Khan, stated that despite possessing significant information, he refrains from disclosing it for the sake of the party’s unity.
Raza’s warning comes in response to statements made by PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat, which criticized the decision to ally with the SIC.
Raza condemned Marwat’s comments, emphasizing the importance of resolving internal matters within the PTI rather than airing them publicly.
SIC chief hits back at PTI
Clarification on alliance decision
Meanwhile, PTI senior leader Senator Barrister Ali Zafar addressed the issue of confusion surrounding the party’s alliance decisions.
Zafar acknowledged a breakdown in communication within the party, explaining that initially, there were plans to merge with Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM).
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However, discussions with individuals who had met Imran Khan in jail led to a shift in alignment towards the SIC.
Admission of miscommunication and validity of concerns
Zafar admitted to the validity of concerns raised by Marwat, acknowledging that mistakes were made in the decision-making process.
He highlighted the complexities surrounding the allocation of reserved seats and stressed the need for clarity and thorough discussion within the PTI’s Core Committee.
Legal disputes and seeking resolution
Zafar also shed light on the legal disputes surrounding the allocation of reserved seats, indicating the necessity for resolution by the Supreme Court.
He emphasized the importance of understanding various legal interpretations and court decisions regarding party mergers and alliance formations.
Cracks in PTI over alliance with SIC
Meanwhile, PTI senior leader Senator Barrister Ali Zafar Friday said at first it was decided to merge the party with Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) (for reserved seats) and next day, it was changed to opt for the SIC.
Speaking on Geo News talk show ‘Naya Pakistan with Shahzad Iqbal Kay Sath’, the PTI stalwart explained that on the directive of the PTI founder, it was decided to join the MWM but the decision was changed the next day, when some people, who met Imran Khan in Adiala jail, came out and said “now we will go with Sunni Ittehad Council”.
Expressing his astonishment on the development, Zafar said: “When I asked Imran Khan about this, he said he had not changed the decision.”
Ali Zafar, however, emphasised: “The decision will have to be revised no matter how it was taken; it was our mistake; as to where and how this miscommunication was committed.”
He conceded that Sher Afzal Marwat was right.
“At first, a decision was made to join the MWM. Prior to that, a decision was also made to unite with Maulana Sheerani’s party as Sheerani’s group also participated in the election and had also given a list of reserved seats.”
