GILGIT-BALTISTAN, Pakistan: In a dramatic political development, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expelled Chief Minister Gulbar Khan along with 11 lawmakers from Gilgit-Baltistan, accusing them of forming a “forward bloc” and openly defying party policies.
A notification issued on September 7 confirmed that the expelled members have been barred from using PTI’s name, flag, or platform in any political activity. Those shown the door include prominent figures such as Shamsul Haq Lone, Raja Azam, Abdul Hameed, Syed Amjad Zaidi, Haji Shah Baig, Suraiya Zaman, Raja Nasir Maqpoon, Mushtaq Ahmed, Dilshad Bano, and Fazlur Rahim.
The decision marks the culmination of long-brewing internal rifts. Gulbar Khan’s election as Chief Minister in October 2023, secured through support from PPP and PML-N instead of PTI’s official nominee, had already created tensions within party ranks. With this expulsion, PTI has drawn a clear line against what it sees as betrayal of party discipline and loyalty.
Adding to the drama, former GB governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon has also been issued a show-cause notice, with strict warnings of action if he fails to respond in time.
The political fallout is expected to be far-reaching. The ouster of the sitting Chief Minister and senior figures could destabilize the GB coalition government, forcing expelled lawmakers to seek new alliances that may reshape the region’s political landscape. At the same time, PTI has sent a loud message that dissent and factionalism will not be tolerated within its ranks.
The move underscores both the fragility of Gilgit-Baltistan’s politics and PTI’s determination to reclaim control in a region where shifting loyalties often dictate power.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.