PTI divide widens due to discord between political, lawyers' groups: sources

• Lawyer group's complaints led to expulsion of Marwat: sources.
• "Qaiser not in contact with Mahmood Achakzai," lawyers tell Khan.
• PTI KP president clarifies he has no difference with Gandapur.

ISLAMABAD: The divide in the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has reportedly widened due to 'discord' within the party's political and lawyers' group, according to sources. 

The lawyers' group's complaints to incarcerated founder Imran Khan is said to be behind the expulsion of firebrand leader Sher Afzal Marwat, sources told Geo News.

A group of PTI leaders from the lawyers' group, in recent meetings with the PTI founder at Adiala jail, lodged a series of complaints against prominent leaders including former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar, KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur, and Marwat.

Complaining against Akbar, they apprised Khan that the party's Swabi public gathering was attended by only three to four thousand people, whereas, Gandapur did not disburse funds for the crucial rally meant to highlight alleged election rigging, the sources added.

They also blamed Qaiser for not being in contact with Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the opposition alliance — Tehreek Tahafuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan.

Contrary to the fact, the former NA speaker held three meetings with Achakzai and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, it was learnt.

On the other hand, PTI KP President Akbar clarified that he neither sought funds from the chief minister nor developed any differences.

Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai also slammed the allegations against Qaiser and acknowledged his services to the opposition alliance.

However, the complaints led to the ouster of Marwat from the PTI over repeated disciplinary violations as the party issued a notification regarding his expulsion, stating that the lawmaker's "reply and actions are subject to the show cause notice".

The former ruling party had organised a protest rally in Swabi against alleged election rigging on February 8 where Marwat alleged that "bad people" [like him] always became helpful during "bad times", but some "good people" have remained silent.

Expressing disappointment over his expulsion, Marwat said earlier today that he was not willing to meet party founder Imran Khan to discuss the matter after being repeatedly disrespected.

"My expulsion was not the PTI founder's decision," claimed Marwat today and alleged that a group within the party, protecting their interests, had got him expelled. He further alleged that the PTI founder was kept isolated by the same group.

The party leader, who launched criticism against the PTI leaders many times, also claimed that his ouster was completely unjust as neither his stance was listened to nor his firm support to the party in difficult times was remembered.

The sources added that the party leaders from the political circle requested Khan to receive input on political matters directly from them besides recommending that he shortlist lawyers for consultations to reduce chances of being misguided.