Barrister Gohar Rules Out Government Talks, Rejects PTI AJK Election Boycott Claims

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has ruled out any ongoing negotiations with the federal government, clarifying that recent contacts have not progressed beyond an offer for dialogue while rejecting reports that the party plans to boycott the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. Speaking to reporters outside the Peshawar High…

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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a show-cause notice to Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Iqbal Afridi over allegations of repeatedly violating party discipline and engaging in conduct that the party claims has harmed its unity and public image. According to the notice, signed by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Iqbal Afridi has been directed to submit a written explanation within seven days. The notice warns that failure to provide a satisfactory response could result in disciplinary action, including the cancellation of his basic party membership and expulsion from PTI. The notice alleges that Afridi has repeatedly displayed inappropriate behavior toward fellow PTI lawmakers during parliamentary proceedings. Party leaders claim that several incidents involving arguments and confrontations were recorded on camera and widely circulated on television channels and social media platforms, damaging the party’s reputation. PTI also accused Afridi of using offensive language against fellow members and acting against parliamentary party decisions inside the National Assembly. According to the party, such actions undermined collective decision-making and disrupted party discipline. In addition, the notice claims that Afridi behaved inappropriately toward both senior and junior National Assembly staff members, further affecting PTI’s public image. One of the major allegations relates to an incident outside Adiala Jail on June 23, where PTI supporters had gathered to express solidarity with party founder Imran Khan. According to the notice, Afridi was allegedly involved in planning an attack on fellow party members, while one of his associates reportedly assaulted several PTI lawmakers during the confrontation. Party officials described the alleged incidents as serious misconduct that violated the PTI constitution and damaged internal unity. The leadership stated that disciplinary proceedings became necessary after repeated complaints regarding Afridi’s conduct. According to party sources, the decision to issue the show-cause notice was finalized during a recent PTI parliamentary party meeting, where members discussed Afridi’s repeated confrontations with fellow lawmakers. The lawmaker has recently been involved in several public disputes, including arguments with PTI leader Junaid Akbar during a parliamentary session and another confrontation with MNA Sibghatullah outside Adiala Jail. These incidents reportedly contributed to the party’s decision to initiate formal disciplinary action. PTI leadership has maintained that party discipline is essential for maintaining unity and organizational stability, emphasizing that every elected representative is expected to follow party policies and respect internal procedures.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a show-cause notice to Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Iqbal Afridi over allegations of repeatedly violating party discipline and engaging in conduct that the party claims has harmed its unity and public image. According to the notice, signed by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Iqbal Afridi has…

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PM Shehbaz Says If 2018 Election Was Legitimate, Current Government Is Also Legitimate

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has defended the legitimacy of the current government, stating that if the 2018 general elections are considered legitimate, then the present government must also be regarded as legitimate. Speaking during the debate on the Finance Bill 2026-27 in the National Assembly, the prime minister rejected opposition claims questioning his government’s constitutional…

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Lawmakers Back Higher Taxes on Junk Food to Combat Obesity and Diabetes

Several Pakistani lawmakers have endorsed the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH)’s proposal to impose higher taxes on ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages as part of efforts to tackle the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The support came during a post-budget consultative meeting held in Islamabad, where parliamentarians and public health experts discussed the…

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46 Bills Passed as National Assembly Strengthens Oversight and Accountability

The 16th National Assembly of Pakistan has successfully concluded its second parliamentary year, marking a period of significant legislative progress and strengthened oversight. During the year, lawmakers passed a total of 46 bills into law, including 40 government bills and six private members’ bills. In addition, the House adopted 27 resolutions addressing key national issues….

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