ISLAMABAD – In a significant internal shake-up, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday expelled five of its supported Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) for defying party policy during last month’s vote on the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill.
The lawmakers — Aurangzeb Khichi, Zahoor Hussain Qureshi, Usman Ali, Mubarak Zeb, and Ilyas Chaudhry — were all elected as independents in the 2024 general elections but had PTI’s backing. Their support for the amendment, despite the party’s official stance against it, led to their removal.
In formal notifications issued by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, the party cited “violation of party discipline” and “disloyalty” as grounds for expulsion. The documents further claimed that by siding with the government, the MNAs had effectively joined another parliamentary party — a move that the PTI argues also disqualifies them from holding office.
“You acted contrary to party instructions and voted in favour of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill,” read the notification sent to Qureshi. “You have violated your oath and commitment to the party. Therefore, you are expelled from PTI with immediate effect.”
The 26th Amendment Bill, which passed with a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly on October 21, was opposed by PTI but supported by other opposition groups, including the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), after negotiations with the government.
Following the vote, PTI served show-cause notices to the five dissenting lawmakers on November 5, warning of possible expulsion and urging them to justify their actions. The party says no replies were received, leading to Sunday’s final decision.
PTI has now formally requested the Speaker of the National Assembly to disqualify the expelled members under defection clauses.
Notably, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had earlier commented that since these individuals were elected as independents, they were not constitutionally bound by party discipline. PTI, however, insists that their alignment with the party and public endorsement in the elections makes them accountable to its policies.
Here’s a breakdown of the expelled MNAs:
-
Aurangzeb Khichi – NA-159, Vehari-IV
-
Zahoor Hussain Qureshi – NA-146, Khanewal-III
-
Usman Ali – NA-142, Sahiwal-II
-
Ilyas Chaudhry – NA-62, Gujrat-I
-
Mubarak Zeb – NA-8, Bajaur
This development marks another chapter in the ongoing political volatility, as parties attempt to maintain discipline while navigating shifting alliances within Parliament.
