Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shir Afzal Marwat has addressed the party’s internal differences and said that anyone who speaks against him should not be expected to remain silent.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) General Secretary Salman Akram Raja and leader Sher Afzal Marwat engaged in a war of words, indicating a growing rift within the former ruling party.
Raja questioned Marwat’s “competence” to comment on party matters after the latter raised a question about Raja’s status as a party functionary.
Speaking on the Center Stage program today, Marwat explained that while he had earlier pledged not to escalate the Salman Akram Raja issue, he made it clear that no one had the right to make baseless statements against him in the media.
He added that if someone speaks against him, they should not expect silence in return.
Marwat further emphasized that discussions in the media would only create problems and that he would respond to anyone who spoke about him.
He also highlighted that some people could not tolerate the affection he receives from the people, mentioning the presence of pressure groups within the party.
He clarified that despite such pressures, he had never approached the PTI founder to form factions, stressing that he only valued respect.
When asked about the ongoing talks, Marwat expressed that both the government and the PTI were simply engaging in “fireworks” but the dialogue process would continue.
He noted that the PTI founder had already suggested that a list of demands be presented to advance the talks.
On the issue of meetings with the PTI founder, Marwat stated that arranging such meetings was not a major issue and if such meetings were not held, negotiations should still continue.
He also commented on National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s recent statement, stating that as convener, Sadiq should have scheduled meetings with clear dates, while the PTI had not raised demands beyond the government’s ability to address them.
Marwat concluded by praising the PTI for showing patience in the face of the government’s attempts to create discord, expressing confidence that once negotiations begin, the situation will improve.
In response to a question about meetings held between November 22 and 25, Marwat confirmed that offers were indeed made and said it was incorrect to suggest otherwise.
He noted that while he was not personally aware of any backdoor contact, those who had engaged in such communication in the past were now part of the negotiating team.
