Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expelled Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan along with 11 other lawmakers for violating party discipline and forming a forward bloc. The decision was announced through a formal notification issued by PTI’s Central Additional General Secretary.
The expelled lawmakers have been accused of “serious betrayal” by siding against party policy and casting votes against PTI’s official stance. The notification also clarified that they would no longer be allowed to represent the party in any capacity.
Those removed from PTI include CM Haji Gulbar Khan, Shamsul Haq Lone, Raja Azam, Abdul Hameed, Syed Amjad Zaidi, Haji Shah Baig, Surayya Zaman, Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Dilshad Bano, and Fazal Raheem. Additionally, former Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon has been served a show-cause notice.
Furthermore, the party barred these members from using PTI’s name, flag, or office, warning that any violation of this directive would result in strict legal action. The move highlights PTI’s strategy to maintain internal discipline and curb dissent.
It is also important to note that dissident lawmakers Fateh Ullah and Javed Ali Manwa had already been expelled earlier, signaling a consistent approach by PTI leadership to act firmly against rebellion. Party insiders suggest more disciplinary actions could follow if further defections occur.
This latest round of expulsions marks one of the most significant internal crackdowns in Gilgit-Baltistan politics. Analysts believe the move may reshape the provincial political landscape, potentially strengthening rival factions while putting PTI’s hold under further strain.