ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has expelled 11 members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, including Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, for forming a forward bloc and voting against party policy.
Termination letters were issued to CM Gulbar Khan and lawmakers Surayya Zaman, Shamsul Haq Lone, Raja Nasir Khan Maqpoon, Raja Azam Khan Amacha, Syed Amjad Zaidi, Mushtaq Ahmad, Haji Shah Baig, Dilshad Bano, Abdul Hameed, and Fazal Rahim. Each notice, signed by PTI Additional Secretary General Firdous Shamim Naqvi, accused them of violating party discipline.
“You are hereby terminated from PTI membership with immediate effect for creating a forward bloc and voting against the party’s decision, which has damaged the party’s interests and reputation,” the letters read. The lawmakers were also warned not to use PTI’s name, position, or membership in any capacity, or face possible legal action.
Despite the disciplinary move, party insiders suggested the letters may not impact the expelled members significantly, alleging that “the entire system” was backing them.
Meanwhile, PTI also served a show-cause notice to former GB governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon, accusing him of conspiring against the party and encouraging defections. He has been asked to explain his conduct in writing within two days or face further action.
PTI Backs Opposition Strike in Balochistan
Separately, PTI announced full support for Monday’s shutter-down and wheel-jam strike in Balochistan. The strike, called by a six-party opposition alliance including BNP-M, PkMAP, ANP, NP, and MWM, was launched in protest against rising lawlessness, terrorism, and the government’s failure to safeguard citizens.
In a statement, PTI condemned the recent suicide bombing at BNP-M’s Shahwani Stadium rally, which claimed several lives. The party said the strike was both a gesture of mourning for the victims and a demonstration of the government’s inability to ensure public safety.
Warning of an alarming resurgence of militancy in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and beyond, PTI vowed that the people’s voice would not be silenced through terrorism or state repression. “Our democratic struggle for peace, justice, and fundamental rights will continue with greater determination,” the statement added.
Tribute on Air Force Day
Marking September 7 as Pakistan Air Force Day, PTI paid homage to the armed forces, calling it a symbol of “unmatched courage, sacrifice, and valour” in defending the nation. The party also honored the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country’s sovereignty.
