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With multiple PTI MNAs coming out in the open against Prime Minister Imran Khan, Federal Planning Minister Asad Umar announced on Friday that the party would issue show-cause notices to its dissident lawmakers for allegedly allying with the Opposition.
The minister, who is also the secretary-general of the PTI, announced in a press conference alongside Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry.
Umar said that the party was already working on the show-cause notice.
”I will sign the show-cause notices today and will be issued afterwards,” announced Umar. He added that lawmakers who want to review their decision can do so in the reply.
Before Umar, Foreign Minister Qureshi while appealing to the dissident lawmakers urged them to think “calmly” about their decision and review it.
“As a friend and well-wisher, I appeal to you to reconsider your decision,” said Qureshi. He added that the PTI MNAs were “smart and political” people who knew what the law and Constitution state.
“If our people reconsider calmly, their grievances can be addressed,” said Qureshi who is also the PTI vice-chairman. He claimed that the lawmakers by joining a rival will not be able to survive politically.
Ahead of Umar‘s comments on the notices, Qureshi had said that the decision was taken by the PTI’s political committee given the law, Constitution and ethics.
He had also added that apart from the notices if the MNA’s deviate from the party line then a presidential reference will also be moved against them.
The show-cause notice is being sent to the dissident lawmakers after it emerged that multiple PTI MNAs were seeking refuge in the Sindh House Islamabad in fear of the government. It is being reported that the lawmakers have decided to vote in favour of the Opposition’s no-confidence motion.
Amid calls for a minus Imran Khan PTI, the party vice-chairman “categorically” stated that there was “no space” for such a move.
Taking a jibe at PML-N and PPP, Qureshi said that those making such calls have forgotten about the charter of democracy. He added that such calls were also presented to the PPP and PML-N about their leaders which they rejected.
“These formulas have been used which were rejected by the people,” said the PTI vice-chairman. He added that Imran Khan was the founding chairman of the party and no one can take his place just like Bilawal and Asif Ali Zardari cannot take Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s place.
“Imran Khan is the person who planted the tree himself. Would I be worried more about the plant than the person who sowed it?” asked Qureshi. He added that people used to make fun of Imran Khan and now today has established four governments.
The suggestions for the removal of Imran Khan as prime minister were made by PTI allies MQM-P and PML-Q.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also dismissed Interior Minister Shaikh Rasheed’s call for imposing governor rule in Sindh.
“There was no plan to impose governor rule in Sindh, neither there will be,” said Qureshi. He added that the PTI’s political committee had advised PM Imran not to take such a decision.
“Saeed Ghani and Bilawal should not worry PTI has no such plan,” said the PTI vice-chairman.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed had a day earlier proposed the premier take the step in order to stop “horse-trading” taking place at the Sindh House.
