PTI lawmakers begin resigning from NA committees on Imran’s orders

Lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have begun resigning from their memberships and chairmanships of standing committees in the National Assembly, following directives from party founder Imran Khan.

According to the National Assembly Secretariat, PTI MNAs Ali Asghar Khan and Faisal Amin submitted their resignations to Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday. PTI Chief Whip Aamir Dogar confirmed that other resignations were also being sent and that the remaining lawmakers would follow suit in the coming days.

The decision was finalised during a late-night meeting of PTI’s political committee. PTI MNA Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel said the party had withdrawn from all committees, including the Public Accounts Committee, on Imran Khan’s instructions.

Committee chairman Junaid Akbar also confirmed his resignation, saying there was “no use” in continuing when there was no progress towards relief or release for Imran Khan.

Meanwhile, PTI leaders said they would boycott upcoming by-elections in constituencies vacated by members disqualified over the May 9, 2023 riots, though they clarified that a candidate from the family of the late Mian Azhar would contest his vacant seat.

Government ministers urged PTI lawmakers to reconsider their decision. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said standing committees played a vital role in parliamentary work and that the government valued PTI’s participation.