TOBA TEK SINGH: Former MNA Riaz Fatyana blames `rich mafia’ in the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf for plotting his expulsion from the party.

Head of PTI’s human rights wing, Fatyana was charged with violation of party discipline by supporting Syeda Sonia Ali Raza, an independent candidate, for PP-89 by-election held last month.

Defending his position, Fatyana said former Punjab governor Chaudhry Sarwar had given PTI ticket to Rana Muhammad Shafiq, who withdrew in favour of PML-N candidate. “But instead of being ashamed (for his wrong decision), Sarwar manoeuvred my ouster from PTI at a time when he (Fatyana) was opposing Sarwar in intra-party election,” he claimed.

Fatyana announced to accept the PTI’s one-sided decision against him and said he would not file any appeal against this decision as he was disinterested in party dominated and controlled by moneyed people.

He said he was now independent and would decide future line of action after consulting friends and supporters. The ex-MNA has been associated with PML-Q and PML-N in the past. He has reportedly met MNA Hamza Shahbaz a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Riaz Fatyana’s supporters, including PTI workers, remained busy on Sunday removing billboards, flags and banners of PTI which were displayed at different places in Kamalia and Pirmahal towns.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2016