Shir Afzal Marwat Criticizes PTI Leadership and Internal Issues

Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Member of the National Assembly, Shir Afzal Marwat, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of the party, accusing certain members of manipulation and unethical practices.

In a TV interview on Friday, Marwat revealed that he had been removed from PTI three times in the span of a year, but he vowed to return. “For now, they have won, but I will come back. Those who sold their votes and consciences are still part of the party, despite being issued show-cause notices,” he said.

Marwat criticized the influence of unelected individuals around Imran Khan, stating that they were the ones controlling party matters, including his own removal. He described the situation as one where “people whisper in the ears,” which ultimately leads to decisions being made without proper consultation or transparency.

The former PTI leader took a strong stance against Salman Akram Raja, whom he referred to as a “usurper.” “Salman Akram Raja is misleading the public. The mess within PTI is caused by him and his associates. He calls himself the de facto Secretary-General, but that’s just another way of saying ‘usurper,'” Marwat remarked. He further added that Raja’s rise to power within the party, especially post-9 May, was problematic, questioning the legitimacy of his position.

Marwat also emphasized the mismanagement within PTI, attributing the lack of progress to a disconnect between the leadership and the grassroots workers. “Imran Khan’s access to information is severely limited due to his imprisonment, and the party’s direction is being steered by people outside,” he said. He expressed concern about the growing issue of individuals influencing decisions behind the scenes without regard for party ideology or operational effectiveness.

The MNA also touched on the issue of hereditary politics within PTI, stating that he had always been against it. “I don’t believe in dynastic politics, and that has not gone down well with some. But the reality is that the party is losing its direction,” Marwat asserted. He criticized the way the party was making decisions, especially when it came to leadership and nominations, stating that people’s fates were being decided arbitrarily.

Marwat also spoke about the discrepancies between those who had made sacrifices for the party and those who had received positions without contributing. He emphasized that operational responsibilities should be entrusted to those who genuinely serve the party, rather than those who were merely riding on its success.

In closing, Marwat reiterated his commitment to Imran Khan’s vision and assured that when he returned to PTI, he would work to advance Khan’s agenda while confronting those within the party who he believes are harming its integrity. “When I return to PTI, I will work to move Imran Khan’s agenda forward, and I will show these people their place,” he said.