The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party has suspended the membership of its Member of National Assembly (MNA) Iqbal Khan Afridi following allegations of abusive behavior towards fellow lawmaker Sahibzada Sibghatullah. The decision was made during a special meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of interim party Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, after the conclusion of the National Assembly's budget session.
Party Leadership Urged to Expel Afridi
The meeting called upon the PTI leadership to expel Afridi from the party for his continuous “inappropriate behaviour and misconduct,” which the party said was contrary to parliamentary traditions and norms. According to a statement issued by the PTI, the parliamentary party strongly condemned Afridi's actions towards Sibghatullah.
Earlier this month, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had suspended Afridi for the entire budget session, accusing him of repeatedly violating the sanctity of the House through “inappropriate and unparliamentary” conduct. The speaker's action followed multiple instances of disruptive behavior during parliamentary proceedings.
Review of Parliamentary Affairs and Discipline
The special meeting reviewed parliamentary affairs and matters related to party discipline. It also discussed an “unfortunate” incident that occurred during a visit by a delegation of PTI MNAs to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where they sought to meet the incarcerated party founder Imran Khan. The details of that incident were not disclosed, but it was noted as part of the broader concerns about party conduct.
The PTI statement emphasized that the party is committed to upholding parliamentary decorum and will take strict action against any member who violates these standards. The suspension of Afridi's membership is effective immediately, pending a final decision from the party leadership on his expulsion.
