Sher Afzal Marwat demands Shibli Faraz’s resignation.
Internal conflict within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is intensifying as Sher Afzal Marwat has called for Shibli Faraz’s resignation, asserting that the party can only rid itself of the “qabza mafia” if Faraz steps down.
Marwat’s demand came on the heels of Omar Ayub’s resignation from his role as PTI Secretary General.
Ayub, who also serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, cited forthcoming changes in the party’s organizational structure as his reason for leaving the post.
Also read: Sher Afzal Marwat ‘disappointed’ by the way PTI founder announced party decisions
“I call for Shibli Faraz to resign from all party positions and his role as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate,” said Marwat, who has been at odds with Faraz and other party leaders.
Earlier in May, Marwat refused to collaborate with Senator Faraz and Ayub, accusing them of preventing him from visiting PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned.
Marwat’s latest comments followed the party’s decision to withdraw his nomination for chairman of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), replacing him with Sheikh Waqas Akram.
In response, Marwat was expelled from PTI’s core and political committees by order of the party’s founder. Subsequently, PTI issued a show-cause notice to Marwat for breaching the party’s code of conduct.
Criticizing the party leadership, Marwat pointed to various failures, including issues related to the party’s “bat” symbol and reserved seats.
He claimed, “The core and political committees are filled with favorites, and decisions are not made on merit.”
Marwat urged party leaders to support his demands if they wish for his continued involvement.
“If Shibli Faraz is removed, I promise the party will rise to meet the challenges of the time,” he vowed.
میں عمر ایوب خان کی طرف سے سیکرٹری جنرل کا عہدہ چھوڑنے کے دانشمندانہ فیصلے کا خیرمقدم کرتا ہوں۔ پارٹی کے اہم عہدوں پر فائز چند دیگر افراد کو بھی ان کی پیروی کرنی چاہیے۔ اس کی وجہ یہ ہے کہ پارٹی ایک بھی کام پورا کرنے میں ناکام رہی۔ خان جیل میں ہے اور مینڈیٹ کی بازیابی ابھی دور ہے۔…
— Sher Afzal Khan Marwat (@sherafzalmarwat) June 27, 2024
Power Struggles Within PTI:
As Sher Afzal Marwat demands Shibli Faraz’s resignation, according to insiders, Omar Ayub’s resignation is seen by some within the party as a symptom of an ongoing power struggle that threatens PTI’s unity both in Parliament and beyond.
Many blame the turmoil on the exclusion of certain members from key decisions regarding parliamentary posts, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet, and the composition of the core and political committees.
Ayub’s resignation followed warnings from former minister Sheharyar Afridi, who suggested he might resign from the National Assembly if the party’s internal issues were not resolved.
This prompted other members to voice their frustrations, with at least 27 legislators reportedly backing Afridi and indicating they might either resign or form a splinter group within the party.
Dissatisfied members have also criticized parliamentary leaders in the Senate and senior leaders in the National Assembly for prioritizing committee memberships over campaigning for Imran Khan’s release.
They accuse these leaders of seeking personal power rather than focusing on the party’s broader goals.
