ISLAMABAD: The PTI on Tuesday issued show-cause notices to four lawmakers who reportedly went “off the grid” at the time of passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

The legislators who were issued notices included MNAs Zain Qureshi (NA-150, Multan), Miqdad Ali Khan (NA-86, Sargodha), Riaz Fatyana (NA-107, Toba Tek Singh) and Aslam Ghumman (NA-74, Sialkot).

It may be noted Mr Qureshi claimed that he was underground as per party policy, but according to the PTI, the party was unable to contact him.

Similarly, Mr Fatyana was out of the country, but had returned even though the leadership asked him to stay put.

The notices issued separately to each lawmaker said they violated the party orders by leaving their designated locations and avoiding contact with the party or its authorised persons in the days leading up to the vote.

“We have been provided with credible evidence and statements from reliable sources that you had full intention of defecting in case your vote was needed,” the notices read, giving them seven days to respond.

“Should you fail to respond to this notice, it would be assumed that you have nothing to say in your defence and you will be proceeded against without further notice, including expulsion from the party,” the notices signed by PTI Additional Secretary General Firdous Shamim Naqvi stated.

Published in Dawn, October 23th, 2024